STEP-NC控制器及其刀轨规划方法研究

为实现产品模型数据交换标准-数控程序在传统数控机床上的应用，提出了产品模型数据交换标准-数控程序的刀轨规划方法。首先，概述了产品模型数据交换标准-数控程序控制器的类型及其3大核心功能模块，分析和研究了刀轨规划过程中坐标系转换问题，给出了利用产品模型数据交换标准-数控程序实体索引映射表规划加工特征刀轨的方法和步骤，着重分析了平面和型腔两个加工特征的加工策略，并基于上述方法给出了具体的规划方法流程图。最后，结合一个基于平面、孔和型腔3个加工特征的产品模型数据交换标准-数控程序实例，将所规划出的G代码程序在配备开放式数控系统HITCNC的3轴数控铣床上进行实际加工，实验结果证明，该刀轨规划方法是正确可行的，并具有一定的通用性。     

基于Powermill刀具路径区域控制策略

结合典型案例,阐述了采用Powermill应用残留边界、浅滩边界、曲面边界和无碰撞边界进行数控编程时刀具路径区域控制策略,保证加工质量,提高加工效率.     

Adaptive feedrate interpolation with multiconstraints for five-axis parametric toolpath

A good adaptive feedrate will be helpful for improving machining accuracy and efficiency, as well as avoiding the excess of the machine’s physical capabilities and feed fluctuations during machining. Therefore, it is highly desirable to consider the constraints of geometric error, cutting performance, and drive constraints in the feedrate scheduling of the parametric curve interpolator for five-axis computer numerical control machining. In this paper, a novel multiconstraints feedrate scheduling method is proposed for the parametric curve interpolator in five-axis machining. In the method, the feed optimization model is first built with the constraints of geometric error, the maximum feedrate and acceleration of cutter tip, and the maximum feedrate and acceleration of five-drive axes. Then, the relations between each constraint and the cutter tip feedrate are derived by means of near arc length parameterization. After that, a linear programming algorithm is applied to obtain the optimal feed profile on the sampling positions of the given tool path. Finally, illustrated examples are given to validate the feasibility and applicability of the proposed feedrate scheduling method. The comparison results show that the proposed method has an ability of the simultaneous guarantees of geometric accuracy, cutting performance, and drive characters of machine tools.     

NC toolpath generation for arbitrary pockets with Islands

This paper presents an efficient algorithm for generating cutter paths for the NC milling of arbitrary pockets with multiple islands. In this algorithm, the pocket border and island profiles are made up of concave or convex segments comprising linear and circular arc elements. For the generation of NC tool paths, the algorithm is divided into four stages, namely, profile pre-processing stage, offset calculation, determination of the termination condition, and determination of the path sequence. Compared with the other pocketing algorithms, the main aspect of this work is that the pocket border and island profiles are pre-processed in the first stage of the algorithm. Making use of contour bridges in the profile pre-processing stage, the island profiles are connected to the pocket border profile to form a closed path. This then simplifies the calculations in cutter offsets and eliminates the problem of nesting which occurs in some other pocketing algorithms.     

Optimized sequencing of CNC milling toolpath segments using metaheuristic algorithms

Intelligent selection of a short toolpath is made possible by reducing machining cycle time. Each metal cutting layer in a workpiece is composed of several entities, such as lines and arcs, which form the different cutting segments of a cutting plan. During machining, the cutter moves at controlled feed rates along various segments at a high speed in a single cutting pass. The end of a segment is bridged to the start point of the next segment by the non-cutting movement of the tool. Any two consecutive segments can be connected in eight different ways. Finding the shortest tool path at polynomial time is impossible because toolpaths are constructed in millions of ways by sequencing the segments. This paper presents an effective method that uses heuristic optimization techniques to solve this NP-hard problem, which is known as the traveling salesman problem, for segments. The proposed method adopts particle swarm optimization (PSO) and the genetic algorithm (GA) because of their capability to generate quality solutions for optimization problems. GA and PSO are implemented in the MATLABR2016b computing environment because of the platform’s flexibility and simple coding method. The optimization procedure is validated by comparing its results with those of two industry standard CAM systems, namely, Autodesk Inventor HSM and Mastercam. Using the proposed optimization method saves up to 40 % of the tool’s airtime during machining.

     

Combined reparameterization-based spiral toolpath generation for five-axis sculptured surface machining

Reparameterization-based toolpath generation methods are usually adopted for machining triangular meshes, trimmed surfaces and compound surfaces. The quality of the reparameterization has an important effect on that of the surface. In this paper, a combined reparameterization procedure is introduced to generate an optimal mapping between the designed surface and a specified planar circular region with relatively less distortion both in length and in angle. Then, for five-axis sculptured surface machining the mathematical model of spiral guide path with maximum path interval is constructed in the circular region. Cutter contact paths are obtained by inversely mapping the guide path onto the designed surface. Under constraints of gouging and collision, continuous and optimal cutter orientations are subsequently calculated. Finally, the results of simulation and experiment of the machining process are given to illustrate the feasibility and applicability of the proposed method.     

Two-directional toolpath correction in single-point incremental forming using model predictive control

Incremental sheet forming (ISF) is an emerging forming technology that promises high flexibility and formability. These properties make it suited for small-scale and customised production. However, the poor geometric accuracy of ISF limits the wide application of this flexible forming technology. This paper presents a two-directional toolpath correction approach to enhance ISF forming accuracy using a model predictive control (MPC) algorithm. A toolpath optimisation method for vertical toolpath correction has been validated in our previous work (Lu et al., Int J Adv Manuf Technol 72:1–14, 2015), and it helps to reduce errors in the base of the test shapes to a suitable level while its major limitation is that horizontal geometric errors are relatively large. This paper extends our previous work (Lu et al., Int J Adv Manuf Technol 72:1–14, 2015) by augmenting the vertical control module with a new control module for horizontal toolpath correction. The proposed control algorithm was experimentally validated in single-point incremental sheet forming (SPIF) using two forming case studies. In the first case study (a truncated pyramid), two control approaches with different assumptions for the horizontal springback distribution along the horizontal cross-sectional profile were tested and compared. Then, the developed MPC control algorithm was applied to form a more complex asymmetric shape. The results show that the developed strategy can reduce the forming errors in the wall and base of the formed shape compared to the existing works. The ISF process with MPC control leads to significant accuracy improvement in comparison with the typical ISF process that is without toolpath control.     

Constant cusp toolpath generation in configuration space based on offset curves

Constant cusp is a common strategy for generating tool paths in many NC machining applications. Cusps need to be regulated to ensure high precision without wasting machining efforts. Constant cusp strategies frequently operate on NURBS surfaces or triangular meshes and, thus, have to deal with the issues of patch-boundary oscillations or long, stretched triangles. To avoid these issues, one can operate in a pre computed configuration space (c-space). The c-space is given in form of a regular quadrilateral heightfield mesh, which may be adaptively subdivided, where the slope is large. This simple data structure is memory efficient and is widely used in CAD/CAM frameworks. In this paper we introduce an algorithm for creating a constant cusp tool path with the help of a given c-space. The constant cusp algorithm iteratively produces curves in the c-space by fitting a tube around the current curve and intersecting the tube with the c-space mesh to detect the subsequent curve. As tool paths are handed to the machine controller in form of point sequences, it suffices to operate on piecewise linear curves. The tube becomes a concatenation of cylinders, which we derive using geometric considerations. In each iteration of the constant cusp algorithm, intersection points of the cylinders with the not yet traversed part of the mesh are detected and checked for their validity. The validity check can efficiently remove global or local self-intersections of the new curve by just deleting the respective points. In a final step, the detected intersection points are connected to form constant cusp tool paths. Dealing with piecewise linear curves, we achieve low computation times for real-world data sets.     

Barrel cutter design and toolpath planning for high-efficiency machining of freeform surface

Improvement of machining efficiency is always one of the most interesting problems in CNC machining. Traditionally, the ball-end cutter is widely used in sculptured surface machining for the highly flexible controllability. But the process efficiency is low especially for freeform surface machining, which generally needs multiple tool-paths. To improve the machining efficiency of multi-axis flank milling of freeform surface, a novel barrel cutter design method is proposed in this paper. There are two principle parameters determining the revolution surface of the barrel cutter: the radius of the generatrix curve and the maximum rotating radius. The main work in this paper is to calculate the two parameters for strip-width-maximization machining without local over-gouging. Firstly, the curvature properties are introduced by the geometry model of the barrel cutter. Then the contact condition between the barrel cutter and the freeform surface is analyzed, relationship between cutter parameters and surface curvature is derived. To avoid the over-gouging, based on the curvature constraint, the designed surface is fitted into the cutter surface by surface approximation theory, so that the cutter surface can approach to the designed surface as close as possible. After that, toolpath planning method for milling of freeform surface with the barrel cutter is presented. Finally, machining implementations are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.     

Adaptive toolpath deposition method for laser net shape manufacturing and repair of turbine compressor airfoils

The aim of this research is to develop a geometry-based adaptive toolpath laser powder deposition method for the manufacturing and repair of advanced turbine engine compressor or blisk airfoils. To realize that, the design of experiments (DoE) method was used to study the deposition geometric responses of a single-pass multilayer Inconel 718 laser powder deposition process. In the first step, the processing feasibility domain was quickly explored with a set of screening DoE. The dominating factors, which have significant effects on the deposition bead width and maximum stable layer height, were identified among the various deposition parameters. Based on this result, a more accurate quadratic regression transfer function was developed to predict the deposition bead width as a function of the dominating processing parameters identified in the first step. With the transfer function, deposition toolpath for net shape airfoil fabrication or repair was designed with predetermined bead width, stable layer height, and bead overlap ratios. Adaptive deposition bead widths were obtained by varying the laser power according to the transfer function, so that a constant bead width overlap ratio was maintained. Finally, compressor and blisk airfoils repaired by the geometry-based adaptive toolpath deposition method are demonstrated.     

Process modeling and toolpath optimization for five-axis ball-end milling based on tool motion analysis

In free-form surface machining, the prediction of five-axis ball-end milling forces is quite a challenge due to difficulties of determining the underformed chip thickness and engaged cutting edge. Part and tool deflections under high cutting forces may result in poor part quality. To solve these concerns, this paper presents process modeling and optimization method for five-axis milling based on tool motion analysis. The method selected for geometric stock modeling is the dexel approach, and the extracted cutter workpiece engagements are used as input to a force prediction. The cutter entry?Cexit angles and depth of cuts are found and used to calculate the instantaneous cutting forces. The process is optimized by varying the feed as the tool?Cworkpiece engagements vary along the toolpath, and the unified model provides a powerful tool for analyzing five-axis milling. The new feedrate profiles are shown to considerably reduce the machining time while avoiding process faults.     

An adaptive uniform toolpath generation method for the automatic polishing of complex surfaces with adjustable density

During automatic polishing process, path trajectory is an important factor affecting the quality of machining. In this paper, a path generation algorithm based on adaptive Hilbert curves which can cover the curved surface evenly is proposed. The generated path not only makes the coverage density adjustable but also is able to pass through the points on the curved surface in more directions which is helpful to get a finished part without stripes. Using the proposed algorithm, the uniform distributed grid points are obtained in the parameter domain and then these node points with adjustable density can be calculated accordingly. Thus, according to the construction rule of adaptive Hilbert curve, the objective toolpaths are subsequently obtained. After that, by means of a mapping strategy, the path trajectory can be obtained on the physical space. To verify the proposed algorithm, uniform polishing paths with variable density are planned on two typical curved surfaces. The result of the machining experiment shows that the curved mirror-like surface can be achieved, and it also indicates the applicability of the proposed method.     

Generating efficient toolpath by cutter posture optimization in five-axis machining based on inverse feedback mechanism

This paper proposes a tool posture optimization method in five-axis machining using configuration space (C-Space) transformation according to the inverse feedback message. In conventional computer numerical control (CNC) manufacture process, the machining status information transmission is in single direction, and the CNC system interpolates the toolpaths without feedback. However, considering the drives’ acceleration and deceleration, the interpolation situation would greatly affect the machining efficiency and the trajectory should be adjusted in CNC. In this case, the toolpath efficiency is deteriorated and unable to be evaluated exactly by traditional c omputer-aided manufacturing (CAM) system, where the efficiency is approximately estimated by the length of toolpath. In this paper, an inverse feedback mechanism is proposed; the simulated information on CNC system interpolation can be feedback to CAM system to help evaluate the toolpath efficiency. An axis-based dynamic confined feedrate schedule model is used to find the feed sensitive zones of the toolpaths. A C-Space method is adopted to adjust the tool postures in the sensitive zones. Several examples are given to verify the method, and the machining efficiency is raised by 10% on the whole after feedback optimization.     

Optimal curvature-smooth transition and efficient feedrate optimization method with axis kinematic limitations for linear toolpath

In industrial areas, the machining performance with linear G01 code is a crucial indicator to evaluate the computer numerical control (CNC) systems and many researchers have presented various methods to deal with the corner tracking issue. However, the axis jerk limitations are not satisfied well and the different axis kinematic limitations are not considered in most researches, which will reduce the machining efficiency and machining quality simultaneously. In this paper, a novel method including trajectory planning, feedrate scheduling, and interpolating is proposed to obtain better machining quality and higher machining efficiency. In trajectory planning, a B-spline curve is utilized to smooth the linear toolpath and obtain a curvature-smooth trajectory, which is third-order geometry continuous. Thereby, a time-optimal method for the geometric continuous trajectory is proposed based on linear programming algorithm in the feedrate scheduling and the bounded multi-constraints, including axis velocity, axis acceleration, axis jerk, and feedrate. Moreover, it can be seen that the proposed method is near Bang-bang control. To reduce the computation time of the optimal numerical method, an efficient method with a look-ahead window around the transition B-spline curve is applied. In the interpolation stage, a novel interpolation method about arc-length is proposed to improve computation efficiency. Finally, simulation and experiment are conducted to show superiorities of the proposed method to the already existing approaches. The results show that the cycling time of the proposed method is reduced by more than 7% than G² method and 20% than G³ method with better contour performance.     

High-speed cornering by CNC machines under prescribed bounds on axis accelerations and toolpath contour error

To exactly execute a sharp corner in the toolpath, the feedrate of a CNC machine must instantaneously drop to zero at that point. This constraint is problematic in the context of high-speed machining, since it incurs very high deceleration/acceleration rates near sharp corners, which increase the total machining time, and may incur significant path deviations (contour errors) at these points. A strategy for negotiating sharp corners in high-speed machining is proposed herein, based upon a priori toolpath/feedrate modifications in their vicinity. Each corner is smoothed by replacing a subset of the path that contains it with a conic “splice” segment, deviating from the exact corner by no more than a prescribed tolerance ?, along which the square of the feedrate is specified as a Bernstein-form polynomial. The problem of determining the fastest traversal of the conic segments under known axis acceleration bounds can then be formulated as a constrained optimization problem, and by exploiting some well-known properties of Bernstein-form polynomials this can be approximated by a simple linear programming task. Some computed examples are presented to illustrate the implementation and performance of the high-speed cornering strategy.     

Adaptation of machining toolpath to distorted geometries: application to remove a constant thickness on rough casting prosthesis

This study proposes a method to adapt the geometry of the toolpath to a specified target. In the case study presented, the geometrical target is to remove a constant thickness on the rough workpiece. This case is normally present in the polishing of the femoral component of knee prostheses. In fact, an operator carries out these operations manually. The aim of this study is to contribute to the automation of prosthesis production, notably, in the preparation of surface polishing. The proposed method can deform and adapt a toolpath to ensure the required geometry of the machined surface. The proposed toolpath deformation method is composed of three steps: alignment, toolpath deformation, and toolpath smoothing. Alignment between the measured surface of the roughcast prostheses and the nominal toolpath is carried out by an Iterative Closest Point (ICP) algorithm. The principle of this algorithm is to find the optimal rigid transformation to readjust the toolpath on the measured surface. Subsequently, the toolpath is deformed to remove the constant thickness of the roughcast prostheses. Next, to increase the machined quality, a smoothing stage is carried out on the obtained toolpath. Experimental tests on industrial prostheses geometry are conducted to validate the effectiveness of this method.     

广州地铁APM列车制动机理分析

根据广州市珠江新城旅客自动运输系统(APM)列车的运行特点,介绍APM列车制动系统的制动方式及其特点,分析APM列车动态制动和摩擦制动的工作机理及其区别和联系,阐明APM列车制动系统的电控制过程和气控制过程,从而为APM列车制动系统的维护和管理提供一定的依据.