A Surface Based Approach for Constant Scallop HeightTool-Path Generation

The machining of sculptured surfaces such as moulds and dies in 3-axis milling relies on the chordal deviation, the scallop height parameter and the planning strategy. The choice of these parameters must ensure that manufacturing surfaces respect the geometrical specifications. The current strategies for machining, consist primarily in driving the tool in parallel planes which generates a tightening of the tool paths. A constant scallop height planning strategy has been developed to avoid this tightening. In this paper, we present a new method of constant scallop height tool-path generation based on the concept of the machining surface. The concept of the machining surface is developed and its use to generate constant scallop height tool paths is described. The approach is compared with existing methods in terms of precision and in particular its aptitude to treat curvature discontinuities.     

Study on discrete form algorithm of cutter location surface in CNC milling of freeform surface

A novel discrete form algorithm of cutter location surface is proposed to produce 3D tool paths in computer numerical control (CNC) 3-axis milling of freeform surface. As compared with the normal form algorithm, it can be applied to the complex curve surface and irregular shape cutter. The research objective is to identify the discrete form algorithm of cutter location surface. First, the cutter working surface and the machined curve surface were dispersed to be two-point clouds, respectively. Next, the tangency mode of their point clouds was established to produce the cutter location surface. Then, CNC milling experiments were carried out to identify the machined form errors for discrete and normal form algorithms. Finally, the effects of discrete form parameters and workpiece surface posture were investigated on the discrete form accuracy. Experimental results show that the machined form errors for the discrete form algorithm is identical to that for normal form algorithm, but its large form errors are mainly distributed on the large workpiece slope location. On decreasing searching interval and lattice grid size, the discrete form accuracy increases. Moreover, the workpiece surface posture greatly influences the discrete form accuracy, but there exists such a workpiece surface posture that the best discrete form accuracy may be achieved. It is concluded that the discrete form algorithm is feasible to produce the cutter location surface for CNC milling of freeform surface by controlling lattice grid size and searching interval and choosing a suitable workpiece surface posture.     

Effects of inclination angles on geometrical features of machined surface in five-axis milling

With the development of manufacturing technology, five-axis milling has been one of the most important solution strategies in machining field. To deepen the understanding of multi-axis processing and improve the application level of the technology, the current work was carried out. This paper investigated the effects of tilt and lead angle on the scallop height, surface roughness, surface topography, and surface damages in five-axis ball-end milling process. Both geometrical analysis and experiment research are conducted to investigate the scallop height after five-axis milling, and variation of the surface roughness and surface topography with tool inclination angle obtained from the experiments was analyzed. Surface damages under the different inclination angles were also observed and analyzed with optical profiler. Several conclusions are made as follows. The inclination angles of the ball-end mill have no effect on the scallop height when only the spherical part of the cutter participates in the cutting process according to the geometrical analysis. Surface roughness with regard to tilt angles presents symmetrical characteristic around 0°. Surface texture feature, especially the texture direction, is closely related with the tool posture. The surface concave pits, convex marks, microscopic cracks, and spot corrosions are mainly the damage forms of the machined surface. More surface blemishes appeared when small inclination angles are adopted in cutting. As a result, the recommendatory inclination angle values for inclination angle are proposed. A better understanding of the five-axis machining process would be given by the detailed analysis of generation reason of the machined surface features, and the results could provide support for process parameter optimization.     

Iso-scallop tool path generation in 5-axis milling

This paper presents a new method of computing constant scallop height tool paths in 5-axis milling on sculptured surfaces. Usually, iso-scallop tool path computation methods are based on approximations. The attempted scallop height is modelled in a given plane to ensure a fast computation of the tool path. We propose a different approach, based on the concept of the machining surface, which ensures a more accurate computation. The machining surface defines the tool path as a surface, which applies in 3- or 5-axis milling with the cutting tools usually used. The machining surface defines a bi-parametric modelling of the locus of a particular point of the tool, and the iso-scallop surface allows to easily find iso-scallop tool centre locations. An implementation of the algorithms is done on a free-form surface with a filleted end mill in 5-axis milling.     

EQUIVALENT NORMAL CURVATURE APPROACH MILLING MODEL OF MACHINING FREEFORM SURFACES

A new milling methodology with the equivalent normal curvature milling model machining freeform surfaces is proposed based on the normal curvature theorems on differential geometry. Moreover, a specialized whirlwind milling tool and a 5-axis CNC horizontal milling machine are introduced. This new milling model can efficiently enlarge the material removal volume at the tip of the whirlwind milling tool and improve the producing capacity. The machining strategy of this model is to regulate the orientation of the whirlwind milling tool relatively to the principal directions of the workpiece surface at the point of contact, so as to create a full match with collision avoidance between the workpiece surface and the symmetric rotational surface of the milling tool. The practical results show that this new milling model is an effective method in machining complex three- dimensional surfaces. This model has a good improvement on finishing machining time and scallop height in machining the freeform surfaces over other milling processes. Some actual examples for manufacturing the freeform surfaces with this new model are given.     

从测量的散乱数据点云直接生成数控刀具路径的研究

提出了一种直接从测量的散乱数据点云用球头刀对自由曲面进行三轴数控加工时生成刀具路径的方法。不同于现有散乱点云基于逆向工程的刀具路径生成方法,本法考虑并估计了曲面加工误差和粗糙度。将散乱数据点云向XY平面投影,以获得的投影边界为刀具路径的主方向,然后根据曲面所需的加工误差和残留高度要求划分该投影数据点云,得到一系列刀位网格单元。通过最小化每个刀位网格单元的加工误差以确定每个刀位网格的节点位置,加权平均相关联刀位网格节点来对齐相邻刀位网格单元的边缘。为了缩短加工时间,裁去刀位路径上多余的线段,最终生成高效合理的数控加工刀具路径。已用实测的数据点云验证了本法直接生成刀具路径的有效性。     

自由曲面微铣刀加工路径建模与仿真

为提高微小自由曲面数控加工精度与效率,对选择高效的自由曲面微铣刀加工路径进行了研究和讨论。在UG软件中,不同的加工模式对于自由曲面可得到不同的加工路径。首先,建立自由曲面模型并选定加工参数;然后,选用三种不同的加工方法,分别跟随周边、单向和往复,对三种加工路径进行铣削加工编程与仿真,分析了不同加工路径过切量与欠切量的结果,并对每种路径的加工时间进行了比较;最后,根据仿真及分析结果确定了具有较好加工精度和高效的加工路径。仿真结果表明,单向方式的加工路径可获得最小过切量,而往复加工路径可获得最小的欠切量。在加工时间方面,三种加工路径跟随周边、单向和往复的铣削时间分别为53s、115s和65s。通过对三种路径的分析与比较,选择高效的加工路径,帮助提高生产效率和加工精度。     

Mesh-based tool path generation for constant scallop-height machining

This paper presents a new approach to mesh-based tool path generation for obtaining constant scallop heights. The mesh surface has recently become the focus of considerable interest, because its geometric computation is simpler and more robust than that of the parametric surface. These advantages make it easy to check and remove interference in the process of tool path generation. The previous tool path generation method based on the mesh surface, however, can generate only one topology of iso-planar type where tool paths have evenly spaced tool path intervals. As constant scallop heights cannot be obtained from evenly spaced tool path intervals, unevenly spaced tool paths based on offset meshes are necessary for reducing the machining time and for easy interference removal. This paper proposes and compares four methods to estimate curvatures from the mesh surface; the curvature is essential for calculating unevenly spaced tool path intervals. This paper also proposes an improved drive surface method to propagate CL-paths unevenly and to generate tool paths with various topologies.     

Analysis of drift in iso-scallop planning—machining by regions

Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) occupies an increasingly significant role in engineering with all it has to offer in terms of new possibilities and improving designer/manufacturer productivity. Our present work is devoted to the integration of a module for automatic generation of cutter paths into a CAM program to machine freeform surfaces by end milling. The study addresses the more global issue relating to the adoption of tool path planning with constant scallop height. For present purposes, the cutter geometry is taken as given and does not enter into the study’s parameter choices. The main problem posed by planning for iso-scallop tool paths lies in the management of drift in trajectories, which leads to the path looping due to the fact that global programming over the surface remains unattainable. The proposed solution is to define surface subdivision criteria (machining by regions) enabling iso-scallop planning to be implemented in each region. We conducted our study on a three-axis numerical control machine tool.     

光学自由曲面快速刀具伺服车削误差的补偿

受各种误差因素以及周期性变化的切削力的影响,快速刀具伺服金刚石车削技术往往难以用一次车削获得满足光学性能要求的自由曲面。本文提出了一种利用线性差动传感器(LVDT)实现高精度接触式自由曲面在位测量的方法。该方法结合两自由度快速刀具伺服系统,实现了基于快速刀具伺服(FTS)的自由曲面车削加工的误差补偿。试验结果表明,该技术将自由曲面的加工精度提高了20%,表面粗糙度降低18.1%,解决了FTS系统与机床运动的同步问题,可补偿机床xyz三向运动误差,可用于自由曲面加工误差的修正。该方法还可用于不对称幅度较大的曲面或硬脆性材料的加工等,故促进了高精度光学自由曲面的推广应用。     

复杂自由曲面曲率分布特征对数控铣削性能的影响

针对复杂自由曲面的数控铣削性能难预测的问题,提出曲面曲率分布特征值,用于评价数控加工效率和加工精度。在构建的刀位面上策划等间距行走的刀位轨迹,建立刀位轨迹长度和刀具间的最大残余高度作为加工效率和加工精度的评价指标,分析曲面曲率分布特征值对加工效率和加工精度的影响。试验结果证明该自由曲面数控加工模式的有效性。分析发现,随着曲面曲率分布特征值增大,刀位轨迹长度和最大残余高度同时增加,导致加工效率和加工精度同时下降。此外,在曲面曲率分布特征值小于0.5 mm–1时,加工效率降低幅度不超过7 %,但加工精度却下降6～7倍。因此,曲面曲率分布特征值可用于评价和预测复杂自由曲面的数控铣削性能。     

Research on tool path planning method of four-axis high-efficiency slot plunge milling for open blisk

The great mass of machining allowance for blisk is removed in the rough milling, so improving the rough machining efficiency for the blisk’s tunnel is the key of realizing high-efficiency machining of blisk. According to the structure characteristic of open blisk’s tunnel, a four-axis plunge slot rough milling with high-efficiency and low machining cost is advanced. First, the plunge slot process for blisk and the generation process of the ruled enveloping surface for the freeform surface of the blisk’s blade are put forward. Then, the generating method of the ruled enveloping surface for the blade’s freeform surface and the tool path generation method of four-axis plunge slot milling for blisk are studied. The rough milling region of open blisk’s tunnel is determined by generating the ruled enveloping surface of blade’s offset surface, and the algorithm of tool path for four-axis plunge milling is given. When using a ruled surface to approach a freeform surface, the problem of getting boundary is solved, and the error from the calculation of tool path is avoided by the algorithm. At last, the experiment shows that comparing to the traditional side slot milling, the cutting force of four-axis plunge milling can be reduced by 60% and even the rough machining efficiency can be increased to more than double.     

数控铣削中曲面加工的粗糙度预测

针对计算机辅助制造中数控铣床上常用的 3种刀具路径的包络线进行了分析 ,给出了不同路径下包络线残留高度的计算公式 ,并对影响粗糙度的因素进行了讨论 ,该公式可用于表面粗糙度的预测。提出了另一种自适应刀具路径的规划方法 ,该方法可使加工表面得到基本一致的表面粗糙度     

Computer-aided geometric machining of a 3D free surface using a 3-UPU spatial parallel machine tool

A novel computer-aided geometric approach for machining a 3D free surface by adopting a 3-UPU spatial parallel machine tool is proposed. Based on the geometry constraint and dimension-driving technique, first, a spatial 3-UPU parallel simulation mechanism is created. Next, a 3D free surface and a guiding plane of tool path are constituted. Finally, the 3-UPU spatial parallel simulation mechanism, the 3D free surface, and the guiding plane of tool path are combined together, and a novel spatial parallel 3-UPU simulation machine tool is created for machining a 3D free surface. In the light of two specified tool paths, the extensions of three driving limbs and the position of the moving platform are solved dynamically by adopting the dimension-driving technique. The results of computer simulation prove that the computer-aided geometric approach is not only fairly quick and straightforward in developing or designing, but is also advantageous from the viewpoint of accuracy and repeatability .     

The effect of welding atmosphere on the pitting corrosion of AISI 304L resistance spot welds

In industry, many taper shafts are designed with tolerances of a few microns. To cut them in finish turning, paths of the tool in virtual machining should be accurately generated beforehand. For this purpose, the dimension errors and surface roughness of the virtually cut workpiece should be predicted. Unfortunately, the current tool path generation methods cannot accurately calculate the errors and the roughness, resulting in the taper errors larger than the part tolerance. Our research formulates equations of the effective turning edge to accurately calculate the dimension errors and the surface roughness, and then proposes a new approach to CNC programming for high-precision CNC turning. It lays a theoretical foundation of modeling parts in virtual turning and can generate tool paths to machine taper parts with high accuracy.     

光学自由曲面的超精密加工技术及应用

光学自由曲面是指非对称性、不规则、不适合用统一的光学方程式来描述的光学曲面.自由曲面光学元件在光电产品及光通讯产品中的应用日益广泛.采用多轴超精密金刚石机床加工光学自由曲面,可达到亚微米级形状精度和纳米级表面粗糙的高精度水平.文章介绍了光学自由曲面的超精密加工技术及其在光电产品领域的应用,并开发适合几种典型光学自由曲面超精密加工的刀具轨迹自动生成软件.     

A novel surface analytical model for cutting linearization error in fast tool/slow slide servo diamond turning

Fast tool/slow slide servo (FTS/SSS) technology plays an important role in machining freeform surfaces for the modern optics industry. The surface accuracy is a sticking factor that demands the need for a long-standing solution to fabricate ultraprecise freeform surfaces accurately and efficiently. However, the analysis of cutting linearization errors in the cutting direction of surface generation has received little attention. Hence, a novel surface analytical model is developed to evaluate the cutting linearization error of all cutting strategies for surface generation. It also optimizes the number of cutting points to meet accuracy requirements. To validate the theoretical cutting linearization errors, a series of machining experiments on sinusoidal wave grid and micro-lens array surfaces has been conducted. The experimental results demonstrate that these surfaces have successfully achieved the surface accuracy requirement of 1 μm with the implementation of the proposed model. These further credit the capability of the surface analytical model as an effective and accurate tool in improving profile accuracies and meeting accuracy requirements.     

Form error estimation in ball-end milling of sculptured surface with z-level contouring tool path

This paper presents a flexible model for estimating the form error in three-axis ball-end milling of sculptured surface with z-level contouring tool path. At an interval of feed per tooth, the whole process of sculptured surface machining is treated as a combination of sequential small inclined surface milling. For ball-end milling of the inclined surface with z-level contouring tool path, at surface generation position, an analytical model is proposed to identify the feedback effect of tool deflection on cutting edge engagement. The deflection-dependent cutting edge engagement is determined by using an iterative procedure. And ultimately, the form error is obtained from the balanced tool deflection and associated surface inclination angle. In a validation experiment, the estimated form errors are compared with both the measurements and the predictions of a rigid model. It is shown that the proposed flexible model gives significant better predictions of the form error than rigid model. Good agreement between the predicted and measured form errors is demonstrated for the ball-end milling of sculptured surface with z-level contouring tool path.     

开式整体叶盘四坐标侧铣开槽粗加工轨迹规划

为了提高开式整体叶盘的粗加工稳定性，在粗加工阶段，提出采用将自由曲面蜕变为直纹面的方式简化开式整体叶盘通道开槽加工的难度，实现稳定切削。讨论了直纹面逼近自由曲面的算法，提出了一种新的刀轴矢量计算方法，并基于直纹面给出了开式整体叶片通道四坐标侧铣粗加工数控编程方法，规划出了无干涉的刀位轨迹。实例验证表明，采用该方法可快速有效地实现开式整体叶盘的开槽粗加工，并可提高开式整体叶盘加工中的稳定性。     

自由曲面数控加工刀具的研究

对自由曲面数控加工中的刀具进行了较深入的研究。从刀具有效半径和切削速度的角度,对平头立铣刀在五坐标自由曲面加工中的加工效率与切削性能进行了分析。提出了球头刀和平头刀的刀位计算方法,并对叶片曲面的刀具轨迹进行了仿真模拟。