Feedrate scheduling strategy for free-form surface machining through an integrated geometric and mechanistic model

In free-form surface machining, it is essential to optimize the feedrate in order to improve the machining efficiency. Conservative constant feedrate values have been mostly used up to now since there was a lack of physical models and optimization tools for the machining processes. The overall goal of this research is the integration of geometric and mechanistic milling models for force prediction and feedrate scheduling in five-axis CNC free-form surface machining. For each tool move, the geometric model calculates the cut geometry, and a mechanistic model is used along with a maximum allowable cutting force to determine a desired feedrate. The results are written into the part NC program with optimized feedrates. When the integrated modeling approach based feedrate scheduling strategy introduced in this paper was used, it was shown that the machining time can be decreased significantly along the tool path.     

Feedrate optimisation/scheduling on sculptured surface machining: a comprehensive review, applications and future directions

Free-form or sculptured surface milling is one of the continually used manufacturing processes for die/mould, aerospace (especially turbine blades), precision machine design, bio-medical devices and automotive industries. Developments of machining technologies for quality enhancement of machining results have become a very important fact in current real industry. Therefore, reducing milling time, tool wear, cutter deflection and improving surface texture quality and machining operations through adaptation and optimisation of tool feedrates based on changing surface geometry in sculptured surface machining is a great step in this direction. Various feedrate optimisation strategies have different feedrate rescheduling control parameters such as chip thickness, material removal rate (MRR), min(mrr,chip,force), max(expo.Acc/dec) and resultant forces. Some commercial CAM softwares come with MRR-based feedrate optimisation algorithms which have a very short calculation time. However, commercial feedrate scheduling systems have some limitations in generating the scheduled feedrates because they use the MRR or the cutting force model which is dependent on milling conditions. However, for the processes in which machining precision/accuracy is very important, it is inevitable that mechanistic force-based feedrate optimisation approaches, for which the calculation time is improved, will be integrated into commercial CAM software packages. Here, developing only the mechanistic cutting force-based algorithm is not enough. In this paper, improvement and optimisation of machining feedrate value, which is one of the cutting parameters which has a tremendous effect on the precise machining of free-form surfaces, was discussed by using the virtual machining framework. For this purpose, the boundary representation solid modelling technique-based free-form milling simulation and feedrate optimisation system integrated with commercial CAD/CAM software is developed for three-axis ball-end milling. This review study includes the information regarding the following topics: The algorithms developed for the feedrate value optimisation, MRR calculation approaches, cutting force computation methods, details of algorithms, the effects on the surface accuracy, the effects on the machining time, the capabilities of the present commercial CAM software packages, the encountered difficulties and overcoming those difficulties, recent developments and future research directions.     

Cutting forces prediction in generalized pocket machining

Cutting force prediction is important for the planning and optimization of machining process. This paper presents an approach to predict the cutting forces for the whole finishing process of generalized pocket machining. The equivalent feedrate is introduced to quantify the actual speed of cutting cross-section in prediction of cutting force for curved surface milling. For convenience, to analyze the process with varying feed direction and cutter engagement, the milling process for generalized pocket is discretized into a series of small processes. Each of the small processes is transformed into a steady-state machining, using a new approximation method. The cutting geometries of each discrete process, i.e., feed direction, equivalent feedrate per tooth, entry angle, and exit angle are calculated based on the information refined from NC code. An improved cutting force model which involves the effect of feed direction on cutting forces prediction is also presented. A machining example of a freeform pocket is performed, and the measured cutting forces are compared with the predictions. The results show that the proposed approach can effectively predict the variation of cutting forces in generalized pocket machining.     

Cutting deflection control of the blade based on real-time feedrate scheduling in open modular architecture CNC system

Machining accuracy of thin-walled parts which have low-rigidity is greatly influenced by cutting deflection in flank milling. In this paper, cutting deflection of aero-engine blade during processing is controlled within a required dimensional accuracy based on the strategy of real-time feedrate scheduling which is integrated into an open modular architecture CNC system (OMACS) of five-axis milling machine. The maximum deflection position of blade is determined through combining analytical cutting force model in flank milling and finite element analysis (FEA)-based transient dynamic analysis. Then, the numerical model of blade deflection is established to obtain the numerical relationship among feedrate, cutting force, and blade deflection, which is usually used to get optimized cutting force and feedrate by setting allowable value of blade deflection. To implement blade deflection control during machining, a real-time control strategy of feedrate scheduling based on nonlinear root-finding algorithm of Brent-Dekker and principle of feedrate smooth transition is developed and integrated into OMACS which has functions of real-time cutting force signal processing and real-time feedrate adjustment. Experimental results show that blade deflection is effectively controlled by proposed strategies, machining accuracy, and efficiency are improved.     

FREE-FORM SURFACE MACHINING AND COMPARING FEEDRATE SCHEDULING STRATEGIES

This article presents mathematical models of cutting forces and surface-form errors for machining of free-form surfaces. Besides the predictive models of cutting forces and surface deflections, a newly developed force based feedrate scheduling (FFS) technique is compared with material removal rate (MRR) based feedrate scheduling method that was used in feedrate optimization packages. With the experimental validations in free-form surfaces, it is shown that the mechanic models predict the forces and surface-form errors quite well. Moreover, by modifying the CNC programs with the new FFS technique, cycle times of the free-form parts can be decreased significantly.     

FREE-FORM SURFACE MACHINING AND COMPARING FEEDRATE SCHEDULING STRATEGIES

This article presents mathematical models of cutting forces and surface-form errors for machining of free-form surfaces. Besides the predictive models of cutting forces and surface deflections, a newly developed force based feedrate scheduling (FFS) technique is compared with material removal rate (MRR) based feedrate scheduling method that was used in feedrate optimization packages. With the experimental validations in free-form surfaces, it is shown that the mechanic models predict the forces and surface-form errors quite well. Moreover, by modifying the CNC programs with the new FFS technique, cycle times of the free-form parts can be decreased significantly.     

Effect of Chilled Air on Machining Performance in End Milling

Flood coolant is customarily used to increase tool life and to improve workpiece surface finish in machining. It is also responsible for some adverse effects on the environment and users’ health, and hence the interest in chilled air assisted machining as an alternative to flood coolant. The effect of chilled air on machining performance was carried out using an end-milling operation on ASSAB 718HH mould steel using uncoated tungsten carbide inserts at different depths of cut, feedrates and cutting speeds under three different lubrication modes, i.e. chilled air, conventional coolant, and dry cutting. The relative performance of these modes is evaluated in terms of tool wear, surface finish, cutting force, and quality of the chips. Lower tool wear was observed using chilled air compared to that for the conventional flood coolant at a lower depth of cut, lower feedrate and lower cutting speed. The surface roughness was found to reduce at higher depths of cut, higher feedrates and higher cutting speeds for chilled air as compared to dry cutting and flood coolant. It is also observed that the cutting force experienced with chilled air is comparable and, in many cases, lower than that when using flood coolant. Stress lines on the chip surfaces show that the chips experienced the highest shear stress in dry cutting, followed by cutting with chilled air and lastly, with flood coolant.     

Efficient high-speed cornering motions based on continuously-variable feedrates. II. Implementation and performance analysis

A novel high-speed cornering strategy for piecewise-linear motions is proposed, based on the G ² continuous Pythagorean–hodograph (PH) rounding segments and continuously-variable feedrates described in Part I of this two-part paper. This strategy employs an acceleration-limited approach to feedrate scheduling, including smooth deceleration and acceleration profiles along linear segments entering and leaving the rounded segments. A G-code part program parsing software package has been developed, that automatically identifies toolpath corners and inserts appropriately-sized PH quintic corner rounding segments, with associated feedrate suppression ratios. The method has been tested on a three-axis CNC mill with an open-architecture controller incorporating real-time interpolators that realize smoothly varying feedrates along the PH corner curves. Tests on a representative selection of toolpaths yield substantial savings (up to 40 %) in execution times, compared to the traditional “full stop” strategy for unmodified sharp corners.     

Prediction of surface roughness and cutting zone temperature in dry turning processes of AISI304 stainless steel using ANFIS with PSO learning

This paper presents an approach for modeling and prediction of both surface roughness and cutting zone temperature in turning of AISI304 austenitic stainless steel using multi-layer coated (TiCN?+?TiC?+?TiCN?+?TiN) tungsten carbide tools. The proposed approach is based on an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) with particle swarm optimization (PSO) learning. AISI304 stainless steel bars are machined at different cutting speeds and feedrates without cutting fluid while depth of cut is kept constant. ANFIS for prediction of surface roughness and cutting zone temperature has been trained using cutting speed, feedrate, and cutting force data obtained during experiments. ANFIS architecture consisting of 12 fuzzy rules has three inputs and two outputs. Gaussian membership function is used during the training process of the ANFIS. The surface roughness and cutting zone temperature values predicted by the PSO-based ANFIS model are compared with the measured values derived from testing data set. Testing results indicate that the predicted surface roughness and cutting zone temperature are in good agreement with measured roughness and temperature.     

Cutting area extraction from a Z-map model

A method for boundary extraction of cutting area is presented. With this method, the compound surfaces are approximated by the Z-map model to address the issues regarding cutting area generation. The run-length code is constructed to represent the object area in each cutting layer. A boundary tracing algorithm extracts boundaries by sequentially linking nodes according to the connectivity information of runs. The formed boundaries are sorted and arranged in a boundary representation tree representing the topological structure of the cutting area in the cutting layer. The presented method, simple and effective, has the capability of automatic recognition of contours and islands. The experimental NC machining results demonstrate the feasibility of the algorithm.     

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.     

基于铣削力仿真模型的进给率优化方法

提出一种新的进给率优化方法,将铣削力仿真模型应用于进给率优化算法,由设定的峰值力确定出金属去除率目标值,根据每段刀具轨迹的实际切削体积计算出相应的进给率数值。作为实际应用,将新方法集成到G代码优化程序中。实验表明,该方法具有很好的优化效果。     

A look-ahead and adaptive speed control algorithm for high-speed CNC equipment

A novel look-ahead and adaptive speed control algorithm is proposed. The algorithm improves the efficiency of rapid linking of feedrate for high-speed machining and avoids impact caused by acceleration gust. Firstly, discrete S-curve speed control algorithm is presented according to the principle of S-curve acceleration and deceleration. Secondly, constraints of linked feedrates are derived from several limits, including the axis feedrate and feed acceleration limits, the circular arc radius error limit, and the machining segment length limit. With these constraints, the optimal linked feedrate is sought to achieve the maximum feedrate by using look-ahead method. Since the actual ending velocity of machining segment equals to the corresponding optimal linked feedrate, speed control of each segment can be executed. Finally, the proposed algorithm is implemented in a pipe cutting CNC system, and experimental results show that the proposed algorithm achieves a high-speed and smooth linking feedrate and improvements in productivity and stationarity.     

基于有限元数值模型和进给速度优化的薄壁件侧铣变形在线控制

为实现在加工过程中对薄壁件侧铣产生的较大切削变形进行在线控制,提出基于有限元数值模型和进给速度优化的在线控制策略。根据薄壁件切削过程的有限元仿真结果,建立数控机床进给速度、切削力、工件切削变形间的数值模型,进而确定用于控制变形的最优目标切削力。在具有开放式模块化的数控系统平台上开发了切削力信号实时采集、滤波功能和基于Brent-Dekker算法的进给速度在线优化策略,并根据滤波后的切削力及相应算法在加工过程中实时调整机床进给速度,保证切削力逐渐接近最优控制目标而实现切削变形的在线控制。试验结果表明,经过进给速度在线优化后的切削过程可将薄壁件侧铣变形控制在规定范围内,同时提高了切削效率。     

隐曲线的线性和旋转插补

基于数控五轴刀具运动分析,提出了旋转插补的概念,给出了旋转插补的相关定义,在此基础上提出了隐曲线的线性和旋转插补原理和方法,并进一步提出了改进的插补方法。     

Force modelling in shallow cuts with large negative rake angle and large nose radius tools—application to hard turning

In finish turning, the applied feedrate and depth of cut are generally very small. In some particular cases, such as the finishing of hardened steels, the feedrate and depth of cut are much smaller than tool nose radius. If a tool with a large tool nose radius and large negative rake angle is used in finish turning, the ploughing effect is pronounced and needs to be carefully addressed. Unfortunately, the ploughing effect has not yet been systematically considered in force modelling in shallow cuts with large negative rake angle and large nose radius tools in 3-D oblique cutting. In this study, in order to model the forces in such shallow cuts, first the chip formation forces are predicted by transforming the 3-D cutting geometry into an equivalent 2-D cutting geometry, then the ploughing effect mechanistic model is proposed to calculate the total 2-D cutting forces. Finally, the 3-D cutting forces are estimated by a geometric transformation. The proposed approach is verified in the turning of hardened 52100 steel, in which cutting conditions are typified as shallow cuts with negative rake angle and large nose radius tools. The workpiece material property of hardened 52100 steel is represented by the Johnson-Cook equation, which is determined from machining tests. The comparison between the experimental results and the model predictions is presented.     

Surface topography and roughness in hole-making by helical milling

Helical milling is used to generate holes with a cutting tool traveling on a helical path into the workpiece in which the diameter of the hole can be adjusted through that of the helical path. Based on an improved Z-map model, a 3D surface topography simulation model is established to simulate the surface finish profile generated after a helical milling operation using a cylindrical end mill. The surface topography simulation model incorporates the effects of the relative motion between the cutting tool and the workpiece, in which the effect of the insert runout error of the cutting tool is considered. Furthermore, the roughness parameters are deduced from simulations of the 3D surface topography. The experimental result shows that the proposed simulation algorithm can predict well the surface roughness in a helical milling operation. The surface topography simulation model is used to study the effects of cutting conditions such as the tangential feedrate, the diameter of the cutting tool and the hole, the insert runout error of the cutting tool, as well as the revolution of the cutting tool around the axis of the hole on the surface finish profile. It is found that the surface quality can be improved by optimization of the cutting conditions. As a result, the proposed model will be helpful in determining the cutting conditions to meet surface finish requirements in helical milling operation.     

3D FEM Simulation of Milling Force in Corner Machining Process

To optimize milling force and machining accuracy quality in corner milling process, the changing law of milling force is revealed by Finite Element Method(FEM). Based on DEFORM software a serial of 3D FEM models for corner milling process are devloped. Tool curved trajectory is achieved by establishing accurate relationship of tool location with milling time. Adaptive remeshing technique and iterative algorithm are adopted to ensure convergence of FEM model. Component force characteristics are revealed by analyzing FEM simulation results. It indicates that the milling force in Y direction becomes negative comparing with forces in X and Z direction. Magnitude of forces in three directions decreases with increase of spindle speed, while it increases with increase of milling feedrate. The simulation results for cutting force are in good agreement with those obtained from experiment. The FEM simulation model is first successfully established for corner milling process in this study, and the results provide a guide for optimizing cutting parameters in cutting process.     

基于载荷控制的拐角铣削进给优化*

针对模具型腔拐角铣削过程,提出一种考虑刀具变形及铣削力变化的基于载荷控制的进给量优化方法。根据拐角的铣削中刀具与工件接触情况的不同,将铣削过程分为五个阶段,分别分析拐角铣削时刀具切削刃真实运动轨迹,建立拐角圆弧运动轨迹下瞬时切屑厚度模型,提高切屑厚度模型在拐角加工中的预测精度。修正铣削力预测模型,使其满足拐角加工过程不同阶段的要求。选取刀具变形量为约束条件,计算不同阶段的允许最大载荷,利用二分迭代法得到该载荷下对应的进给量值。考虑到数控机床的运动加速度限制,对得到的优化进给量值进行二次优化,以满足实际加工的要求。仿真结果表明,在进给优化后的拐角铣削过程中,载荷变化趋于平稳,加工时间缩短。进行拐角加工验证试验,数值仿真计算和试验测量结果表明,建立的铣削力模型能够很好地预测拐角铣削过程。所建立的优化模型为模具型腔的高精、高效加工提供理论支持。     

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.