Arc-intersect method for 5-axis tool positioning

A new method for 5-axis CNC tool positioning is presented in this paper that improves upon a previous tool positioning strategy named the rolling ball method (RBM), which was developed by the present authors [Gray P, Bedi F, Ismail S. Rolling ball method for 5-axis surface machining. Comput Aided Des 2003;35(4):347-57]. The special property of the RBM is that it computes tool positions by considering the area beneath the tool that the tool will be positioned to cut instead of using surface curvatures computed at a single point on the surface. This enables the RBM to generate gouge-free tool positions without secondary iterative gouge-check and correction algorithms. However, the RBM generates conservative tilt angles in order to guarantee gouge-free tool positions. The new arc-intersect method (AIM) presented in this paper improves upon the RBM by directly positioning the tool to contact the surface and thereby eliminates the conservative nature of the RBM to give optimal tool positions. Like the RBM, the AIM is an area-based method that generates gouge-free tool positions without the use of iterative gouge-check and correction algorithms. The implementation described in this paper uses triangulated surfaces and the computer's graphics hardware to assist in the tool position calculations. However, the method can be applied to any surface representation since it only uses surface coordinates and surface normals for computation. A section of a stamping die was machined to demonstrate the AIM and to show the improvement over the RBM and for comparison with 3-axis ballnose machining. The results showed that the AIM was 1.33 times faster than the RBM and that the AIM, with single direction parallel tool passes, was 1.62 times faster than a zig-zag pattern 3-axis ballnose tool path for the same feed rate, cusp height and tool diameter. The workpieces were measured with a CMM and the data were compared to the CAD model to show no gouging occurred and to check the cusp heights.     

Automated surface subdivision and tool path generation for -axis CNC machining of sculptured parts

As an innovative and cost-effective method for carrying out multiple-axis CNC machining, -axis CNC machining technique adds an automatic indexing/rotary table with two additional discrete rotations to a regular 3-axis CNC machine, to improve its ability and efficiency for machining complex sculptured parts. In this work, a new tool path generation method to automatically subdivide a complex sculptured surface into a number of easy-to-machine surface patches; identify the favorable machining set-up/orientation for each patch; and generate effective 3-axis CNC tool paths for each patch is introduced. The method and its advantages are illustrated using an example of sculptured surface machining. The work contributes to automated multiple-axis CNC tool path generation for sculptured part machining and forms a foundation for further research.     

Constant scallop-height tool path generation for three-axis sculptured surface machining

This paper presents a new approach for the determination of efficient tool paths in the machining of sculptured surfaces using 3-axis ball-end milling. The objective is to keep the scallop height constant across the machined surface such that redundant tool paths are minimized. Unlike most previous studies on constant scallop-height machining, the present work determines the tool paths without resorting to the approximated 2D representations of the 3D cutting geometry. Two offset surfaces of the design surface, the scallop surface and the tool center surface, are employed to successively establish scallop curves on the scallop surface and cutter location tool paths for the design surface. The effectiveness of the present approach is demonstrated through the machining of a typical sculptured surface. The results indicate that constant scallop-height machining achieves the specified machining accuracy with fewer and shorter tool paths than the existing tool path generation approaches.     

Optimization of 5-axis high-speed machining using a surface based approach

This paper deals with optimization of 5-axis trajectories in the context of high-speed machining. The objective is to generate tool paths suited to high speed follow-up during machining in order to respect cutting conditions, while ensuring the geometrical conformity of the machined part. For this purpose, the optimization of the tool axis orientations is performed using a surface model for the tool path, which allows integrating kinematical limits of the machine tool as well as classical geometrical constraints. The illustration of the optimization through an example highlights the gain in machining time, thereby demonstrating the feasibility of such an approach.     

Correlation between machining direction,cutter geometry and step-over distance in 3-axis milling: Application to milling by zones

Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) occupies an increasingly important role in engineering with all it has to offer in terms of new possibilities and improving designer/manufacturer productivity. The present study addresses machining of free-form surfaces on a 3-axis NC machine tool. There have recently been a large number of studies devoted to planning tool paths on free-form surfaces with various strategies being adopted. These strategies are intended to increase efficiency by reducing the overall length of machining. Often, the choice of the cutter is arbitrary and the work focuses on planning. In order to boost productivity, the present work offers assistance in choosing the cutting tool, the machining direction and cutting by surface zones, adopting a milling strategy by parallel planes. To do so, a comparison is made between milling using a spherical end milling cutter and a torus end milling cutter with the same outer radius. This comparison relates to the radius of curvature of the trace left by the cutter at the point of contact between the tool and the workpiece in relation to the direction of feed motion.     

Using CAD geometric variation approach machining complex workpiece by a 3-SPR parallel machine tool

A novel CAD geometric variation approach is proposed for machining the complex workpiece, caving letter on a 3D free-form surface, and milling cam by a 3-SPR parallel machine tool. First, a simulation mechanism of the 3-SPR parallel manipulator is created, and a workspace of the moving platform is constructed by the 3-SPR simulation mechanism. Second, the tool path guiding plane with complex workpiece and the simulation mechanism of the 3-SPR parallel machine tool are combined to form the whole simulation mechanism. Third, the extension of the active legs and the position of the moving platform are solved automatically and visualized dynamically by using simulation mechanism. Finally, the formulae for solving displacement kinematics of the 3-SPR parallel machine tool are derived. The results of the simulation mechanism are verified by kinematic analytic results. The CAD geometric variation approach is straightforward without compiling any program.     

A new format for 5-axis tool path computation, using Bspline curves

This article presents a new format of tool path polynomial interpolation in 5-axis machining. The linear interpolation usually used produces tangency discontinuities along the tool path, sources of decelerations of the machine tool whereas polynomial interpolation reduces the appearance of such discontinuities. The new format involves a faster tool path and a better surface quality. However, it imposes a modification of the process so as to take the interpolation format and the inverse kinematics transformation (necessary to 5-axis machining) into account. This article deals with the geometrical problem of tool path calculation. Validation tests are detailed. They show that profits concern the reduction of machining time as well as the quality of the machined surfaces. Indeed, the trajectory continuity avoids the appearance of marks and facets.     

一种基于STL模型的5轴高速加工刀轨优化策略

针对线性插补刀轨不连续且插补点多的缺点,提出了一种基于STL模型的口腔修复体5轴高速铣削数控加工刀轨优化策略。以去除不必要的插补点,简化加工刀轨的数量,优化刀轴矢量包络的曲面为平滑变化的规则面,实现了一种支持HEIDENHAIN数控系统的样条插补新方法。运用该策略线性插补的G代码成功地被转换成样条代码,基于Vericut仿真器,仿真加工出了磨牙冠修复体。结果表明,该优化策略不仅能缩短切削时间、提高加工质量,而且可避免切削颤振。     

Large scale layering laser surface texturing system based on high speed optical scanners and gantry machine tool

A layering laser surface texturing system for large freeform surface workpiece was realized with a reconfigurable structure of usual mechanical gantry machine tool plus laser processing head, which is composed of dual high speed galvanometer optical scanning axes and a mechanical linear axis. The principle of layering processing ability of laser focus point and the method to divide freeform surface into partitions and layers was analyzed. The kinematic of five axes machine tool with three axes laser processing head was derived. A novel computer aided laser texturing software named WnloLaserRobots was designed on visual C++ platform, which provides full function of 3D model data analyzing and real time processing control. The laser head position, the orientation data, and the layering scanning paths for processing a freeform surface were generated through importing and analyzing the universal initial graphics exchange specification (IGES) model file. In the control module, the software sends command to five axes gantry machine tool to position laser head normal to the processing surface partition and control laser processing head to accomplish layering laser texturing. This proposed system is particular suitable for laser ablation of film layer from multilayer materials on large scale free form surface. It has been used in practical application and satisfactory results were obtained.     

Tool path planning for 5-axis flank milling of ruled surfaces considering CNC linear interpolation

This paper investigates tool path planning for 5-axis flank milling of ruled surfaces in consideration of CNC linear interpolation. Simulation analyses for machining error show insights into the tool motion that generates a precision machined surface. Contradicting to previous thoughts, the resultant tool path does not necessarily produce minimal machining error when the cutter contacts the rulings of a developable surface. This effect becomes more significant as the distance between two cutter locations is increased. An optimizing approach that adjusts the tool position locally may not produce minimal error as far as the entire surface is concerned. The optimal tool path computed by a global search scheme based on dynamic programming supports this argument. A flank milling experiment and CMM measurement further validate the findings of this work.     

Modeling of cutting geometry and forces for 5-axis sculptured surface machining

5-Axis sculptured surface machining is simulated using discrete geometric models of the tool and workpiece to determine the tool contact area, and a discrete mechanistic model to estimate the cutting forces. An extended Z-buffer model represents the workpiece, while a discrete axial slice model represents the cutting tool. Determination of the contact area for a given tool move requires a swept envelope (SWE) of the tool path. The SWE is used to find the intersections of the tool envelope with Z-buffer elements (ZDVs) representing the workpiece. A 3-axis approximation of the 5-axis tool movement is used to simplify the calculations while maintaining a desired level of accuracy. The intersection of the SWE with each ZDV yields segments which are used to find the contact area between the cutter and the workpiece for a given tool path. The contact area is subsequently used with the discrete force model to calculate the vector cutting force acting on the tool.     

NC tool path generation for 5-axis machining of free formed surfaces

This paper presents a tool axis vector approach for machining sculptured surfaces. Such an approach is well suited for highly twisted, rolled, or bent surfaces. The tool paths are generated for a 5-axis milling machine. The proposed approach is based on tilt angle, cutting direction, and a vector normal to the cutting surface. Gouging is avoided by checking the interference between the cutting tool and the part surface. The algorithm also finds maximum path intervals that generate maximum admissible cusp height within the specified tolerance limits. Such an approach minimizes the tool path and machining time. The paper presents an example to illustrate the details of the algorithm.This research was accomplished by funding provided by the Korean Research Foundation under the Faculty Research Abroad Program and by the advice and support of the second author.     

Intelligent machining system for the artistic design of wooden paint rollers

In this paper, a 3D design and machining system based on a 3-axis NC machine tool with a rotary unit is introduced to efficiently produce the artistic design of wooden paint rollers. The paint rollers are used to execute a relief wall just after painting. A simple post-processor is first proposed for the NC machine tool to transform a base tool path called cutter location data (CL data) to NC data, mapping the y-directional pick feed to the rotational angle of the rotary unit. Also, the post-processor has a novel function that elaborately adjusts feed rate values according to the curvature of each design so as not to chip the carved surface. The suitable feed rate values are generated by using a simple fuzzy reasoning method while checking edges and curvatures in a relief design. The post-processor allows the 3-axis NC machine tool with a rotary unit to easily carve an artistic relief design on a cylindrical wooden workpiece without an undesirable edge chipping. Experimental results show that wooden paint rollers with an artistic relief design can be successfully machined without any chipping.     

Precise gouging-free tool orientations for 5-axis CNC machining

We present a precise approach to the generation of optimized collision-free and gouging-free tool paths for 5-axis CNC machining of freeform NURBS surfaces using flat-end and rounded-end (bull nose) tools having cylindrical shank. To achieve high approximation quality, we employ analysis of hyper-osculating circles (HOCs) (Wang et al., 1993a,b), that have third order contact with the target surface, and lead to a locally collision-free configuration between the tool and the target surface. At locations where an HOC is not possible, we aim at a double tangential contact among the tool and the target surface, and use it as a bridge between the feasible HOC tool paths. We formulate all such possible two-contact configurations as systems of algebraic constraints and solve them. For all feasible HOCs and two-contact configurations, we perform a global optimization to find the tool path that maximizes the approximation quality of the machining, while being gouge-free and possibly satisfying constraints on the tool tilt and the tool acceleration. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach via several experimental results.     

Development of a fiber optical occlusion based non-contact automatic tool setter for a micro-milling machine

The objective of this research is to create a low cost non-contact automated tool setter to reduce the overall tool setup time for a micro-milling machine. The accuracy of tool setting has a direct impact on the outcome of machining. The research focused on addressing the tool setting in the Z-axis (spindle axis), which is needed for each tool change and accounts for the majority of the total tool setting time. A fiber optic FS-V30M sensor from Keyence that is equipped with a light emitting element and receiving sensor was used. The sensor detects the position of the micro-tool by measuring the light intensity change as the tool crosses the emitted light beam. A bracket was designed and manufactured to mount on the workpiece pallet to hold the fiber optic cable. A novel search/detection algorithm was developed and implemented in the CNC machine controller. Controlled experiments were conducted to test the performance of the tool setter. The system achieved 0.6 µm repeatability and 2 µm accuracy across different sizes of micro-tools. The execution of each tool setting takes about 10 seconds, which is 80–90% reduction from the manual tool setting.     

The stencil buffer sweep plane algorithm for 5-axis CNC tool path verification

A new algorithm based on the sweep plane approach to determine the machined part geometry in 5-axis machining with general APT tools is presented. Undercut and overcut can be determined. Collision detection between the toolholder, workpiece and workpiece fixture can also be detected. The subtraction of the removed material is obtained for each sweep plane by using a stencil buffer. A flat plane is swept through the blank part, fixture and tool swept volume geometry. The intersections of sweep planes and the swept tool volume are computed based on the canonical representation of a cone, torus and sphere. The necessary data to compute all the intersections is stored in a text file, here called the M-Plane file (Memory Plane). The equations of the intersections are approximated by a polygon with variable accuracy. The resulting APT tool intersection in each sweep plane is then clipped against the blank workpiece intersection with the current sweep plane. The stencil buffer provides automatically the union of all tool intersections and the subtraction from the blank workpiece. This algorithm provides a 3D geometric model of the tool swept volume. The display algorithm is based on the Painter's algorithm, but there is no time consuming sorting from back to front required, as the sweep proceeds from back to front. The accuracy of the algorithm can be varied as a function of the requirements by changing the polygon approximation and the distance between the sweep planes.     

A multi-regional computation scheme in an AR-assisted in situ CNC simulation environment

Computer numerical control (CNC) simulation systems based on 3D graphics have been well researched and developed for NC tool path verification and optimization. Although widely used in the manufacturing industries, these CNC simulation systems are usually software-centric rather than machine tool-centric. The user has to adjust himself from the 3D graphic environment to the real machining environment. Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that supplements a real world with virtual information, where virtual information is augmented on to real objects. This paper builds on previous works of integrating the AR technology with a CNC machining environment using tracking and registration methodologies, with an emphasis on in situ simulation. Specifically configured for a 3-axis CNC machine, a multi-regional computation scheme is proposed to render a cutting simulation between a real cutter and a virtual workpiece, which can be conducted in situ to provide the machinist with a familiar and comprehensive environment. A hybrid tracking method and an NC code-adaptive cutter registration method are proposed and validated with experimental results. The experiments conducted show that this in situ simulation system can enhance the operator’s understanding and inspection of the machining process as the simulations are performed on real machines. The potential application of the proposed system is in training and machining simulation before performing actual machining operations.     

A physically-based model for global collision avoidance in 5-axis point milling

Although 5-axis free form surface machining is commonly proposed in CAD/CAM software, several issues still need to be addressed and especially collision avoidance between the tool and the part. Indeed, advanced user skills are often required to define smooth tool axis orientations along the tool path in high speed machining. In the literature, the problem of collision avoidance is mainly treated as an iterative process based on local and global collision tests with a geometrical method. In this paper, an innovative method based on physical modeling is used to generate 5-axis collision-free smooth tool paths. In the proposed approach, the ball-end tool is considered as a rigid body moving in the 3D space on which repulsive forces, deriving from a scalar potential field attached to the check surfaces, and attractive forces are acting. A study of the check surface tessellation is carried out to ensure smooth variations of the tool axis orientation. The proposed algorithm is applied to open pocket parts such as an impeller to emphasize the effectiveness of this method to avoid collision.     

汽轮机叶片五轴数控加工的一种实用方法

提出了一种汽轮机叶片五轴数控加工的实用方法 ,对于叶背和叶盆采用中凹盘形铣刀 ,基于密切曲率法给出优化刀位轨迹的计算方法 ;而对于进、排汽边圆弧采用无干涉侧铣加工方法 ,根据误差估算自动进行刀位排布 .通过这两种加工方法的有机结合 ,在保证精度的前提下 ,大大提高了加工效率 ,对于汽轮机叶片多轴数控加工具有实用价值 .     

A mapping-based approach to eliminating self-intersection of offset paths on mesh surfaces for CNC machining

Geometrically, a tool path can be generated by successively offsetting its adjacent path on the surface with a given path interval, which preferably starts from one of the surface boundaries or a primary curve. The key issues involved in offset path planning are the generation of raw offset paths and the elimination of the self-intersection of raw offset paths. Most researches available in this area are focused on how to generate the raw offset paths, however, the latter, especially how to eliminate the self-intersection of the offset paths on mesh surfaces, has not been sufficiently addressed. In this paper, a mapping-based approach to eliminating the self-intersection of offset paths is proposed for the CNC machining of mesh surfaces. The method first flattens the mesh surface onto a predefined plane by using a mesh mapping technique, and then taking the mapping as a guide, the offset paths are also naturally mapped onto the plane, from which those invalid self-intersection loops can be effectively identified and eliminated. To handle the issue of self-intersection for all types of offset path, a notion of local loop is introduced to detect and eliminate the invalid self-intersection loops. After that the planar paths are inversely mapped into the physical space and the final tool paths used for the machining of mesh surface are obtained. Meanwhile, in order to improve the kinematic and dynamic performance of the machine tool when machining along the generated offset paths, a method for rounding the sharp corners of tool paths, which result from the process of eliminating the self-intersection of raw offset paths, is also preliminarily investigated. Finally, the proposed method is validated by the results of simulations and machining experiments.