TOOL PATH SELECTION STRATEGIES FOR COMPLEX SCULPTURED SURFACE MACHINING

High performance machining of complex free form surfaces is very critical in many different industries. In this research, an advanced mathematical model of cutting forces that is based on the kinematics and mechanics of the 3D sculptured surface machining is integrated with CAM packages in order to predict the complex tool-workpiece engagements and machining forces for any tool path. Machined 3D free form topographies and distributions of errors between the desired CAD and machined surfaces are also predicted in advance. Now, an evaluation of different tool path strategies for 3D complex sculptured surfaces can be made. Theoretical simulations of forces and surface topographies for different tool paths are presented and compared with experimental measurements.