The evaluation of process capability for a machining center

The machining center methodology is widely applied to production systems within the fast-developing processing industry. The automated machining center can simultaneously perform certain processes, such as milling, drilling, boring, and reaming, on the same machine at the same time, and manufactures limited quantities of multiple-type products. These products usually have numerically important quality characteristics with high accuracy. However, a machining center is unable to measure process capability on its own. Thus, we reflect the process capability of a machining center by measuring the quality characteristics of its processing products. In this paper, we propose the three integrated process capability indices (PCIs) C _p^mc, C _a^mc, and C _pm^mc to evaluate the integrated process precision, accuracy, and actual capability respectively. Furthermore, we develop a process capability monitoring figure (PCMF), which not only displays the status of the process precision and accuracy by the color management method [1], but it also forecasts the integrated process capability of the next productive time (batch) through the analysis of time series. Using the PCMF, engineers will be assisted with tasks such as monitoring the process quality, deciding the period of the borer’s replacement, and designing the process parameters.     

Process planning and electrode wear compensation for 3D micro-EDM

This paper presents a novel multi-cut process planning method and a new electrode wear compensation method based on a machine vision system for three-dimensional (3D) micro-electrical discharge machining (micro-EDM). Front wear and corner wear of tool electrode can be measured and compensated in a direct manner by the vision system??s image processing software capabilities. Experiments have shown that corner wear ratio (defined as a ratio between the length of corner wear and electrode diameter) is linearly proportional to machining length under a fixed machining depth condition. Track overlapping between the two adjoining paths is designed appropriately according to the corner wear ratio. Experimental results not only indicate that the proposed multi-cut process planning and electrode wear compensation methods can significantly improve machining accuracy and reduce machining time for the micro-EDM process, they also demonstrate that the X?CY dimensional errors of micro-structures can be controlled within 10???m.     

Extraction of machining features for CAD/CAM integration

Feature-based CAD/CAM integration is a technology used to realise automatic transmission and conversion of component information among CAD, CAPP and CAM applications. A feature is the medium of information transmission in the integration. Since a process planning downstream application has a different viewpoint from the component designer, feature conversion or feature extraction methodology is used to create a machining feature model based on the design feature model. One of the major difficulties in generating machining features is the preservation of feature integrity because of feature interactivity. The most current research, therefore, focuses on the planar-type form feature conversion. This paper discusses the problem of feature interactivity and proposes a feature-based approach to generating hole-series machining features from a design feature model. Hole-series features are important machining features for gearbox components used in machine tools. These kinds of features cannot be obtained directly from a design feature database. A constraint-based method is developed in this paper to define a hole-series feature model based on the geometric and topological information extracted from the design database. In addition, a STEP file is generated to interface the converted machining feature model with the downstream CAPP application. The implemented feature conversion system is verified by considering its application to some component examples and the developed prototype CAPP system. This revised version was published online in October 2004 with a correction to the issue number.     

A flexible process information reuse method for similar machining feature

Dynamically changing machining conditions and uncertain manufacturing resource availability are forcing manufacturing enterprises to search advanced process planning in order to increase productivity and ensure product quality. As growing quantities of the three-dimensional process models are gradually applied, reusing the embedded manufacturing information in process models with less time and lower cost attracts a lot of attention. In this paper, a new flexible method is presented to reuse the existing process information based on retrieval of the similar machining feature. First, the three-level organization model is introduced to represent the process information; the machining feature which is seen as the parent layer carries the corresponding manufacturing information. To ensure accurately that the process information are obtained, the associated mechanism between the machining feature and process information is created. Second, an eight-node representation scheme is designed to represent the similar machining feature having same variations in topology and geometry. For accelerating similar feature retrieval, the extension-attributed adjacency graph and the topological relationship of the machining feature faces are built. Finally, some aircraft structural parts are utilized in the developed prototype module to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. This method can be used as the basis for accumulation of the process information; it can promote the development and application of the intelligent process planning.     

Optimization control method for carbon footprint of machining process

Energy conservation has become one of the key elements of core competitiveness for manufacturing enterprise. On the basis of studying the characteristics of carbon emissions in machining process, the state space model of carbon footprint for machining process is constructed, and carbon footprint transfer matrix is derived. It reveals the mechanism of generation, transmission, and coupling for carbon footprint in machining process. Considering the machining precision constraints and time constraints, the paper researched on optimization control method for carbon footprint of machining process based on dynamic programming to minimize the carbon emissions. Finally, this method is applied in a fracture splitting workshop, and the result shows this method can reduce 10.28% of carbon emissions in machining process. This paper provides theoretical and technical support for energy saving in machining process.     

Optimization of cryogenic milling parameters for aluminum honeycomb treated by ice fixation method

This paper presents the first comprehensive investigation that aluminum honeycomb has inevitable machining defect in milling process, such as deformation, burr, and collapse. Ice fixation method was used to clamp workpieces, and inner-injection liquid nitrogen was employed for a series of cryogenic milling machining. In the machining process, the main machining parameters including in honeycomb orientation, milling width, cutting depth, cutting speed, and feed were executed experimental research. Meanwhile, the machining parameter optimization, range, and significant analysis were adopted to analyze the influence of machining parameters on the machining surface quality, as well as the optimal parameter combination and milling machining surface quality were predicted and verified. The results show that the ice fixation aluminum honeycomb method with cryogenic milling is much advanced than that of conventional ones, and many machining defects are effectively restrained. At the same time, the influence of machining parameters on machining qualities in descending order is cutting depth, cutting speed, honeycomb orientation, feed, and milling width. The minimum roughness value (Ra?=?0.356 μm) of the predicted machining surface is similar to the actual machining result (Ra?=?0.362 μm). It verifies the feasibility of the optimization method. Furthermore, it is proved that the ice fixation + liquid nitrogen cooling method has a positive effect on the high milling quality and implement efficiency for aluminum honeycomb and other difficult-to-machine materials.     

<Emphasis Type="Bold">CNC Rake Grinding for a Taper Ball-End Mill with a Torus-Shaped Grinding Wheel</Emphasis>

A new grinding method using a torus-shaped grinding wheel and a machining path generation method with a novel moving coordinate system are proposed. With this new grinding method, the smooth spiral rake surface of a taper ball-end mill with constant helical angle and constant normal rake angle can be formed during one grinding process and the normal rake angle can be obtained accurately. The novel moving coordinate system is established based on taking account of both the cutting edge curve and the cutter body surface. By means of the novel moving coordinate system, the machining path generation becomes very simple. The proposed grinding method and the machining path generation method are verified by 3D simulation results.     

A Multiple-Tool Approach to Rough Machining of Sculptured Surfaces

This paper proposes a methodology by which machining instructions can be generated directly from the 3D point data derived from either contact or non-contact measuring devices. Starting with the creation of a B-spline surface model from the 3D point data, several algorithms are developed to automate the generation of process plans, which contain detailed information needed for NC machining processes. In particular, the following issues are considered: 1. Use of ordered data points to fit a smooth surface. 2. Automatic selection of multiple cutting tools. 3. Generation of cutter-paths for rough machining. A cubic non-uniform B-spline (NUB) mathematical model is used for fitting measured data points into a smooth surface. For process planning based on the surface model, the selection and optimisation of cutting tools are based upon the criteria of maximum material removal and minimum tool change, while the generated NC cutter path ensures fast machining and the required surface quality.      

A 3D curvature gouge detection and elimination method for 5-axis CNC milling of curved surfaces

Based on the concept of Eular-Meusnier Spheres (EMS) that portrays the generic curvature model of surfaces, a new three-dimensional (3D) method for curvature gouge detection and elimination in sculpture surface machining is presented. The new method is superior for presenting one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) approaches for curvature gouge detection and curvature gouge-free machining due to its capability to consider both normal and osculate curvatures of the cutter and machined surfaces and their interactions. The method can be applied to all three types of commonly used milling cutters (end, torus and spherical mills) and all concave curved surfaces. Test results from machining simulations are presented to demonstrate the new method and its advantages. The work forms the foundation for further research on the automated generation of highly efficient and high quality 5-axis CNC tool paths for machining curved surfaces.     

Self-tuning fuzzy control with a grey prediction for wire rupture prevention in WEDM

Wire rupture in the wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) process is one of the most troublesome problems in practical applications. In this paper, the abnormal ratio R_ab, defined as the proportion of abnormal sparks in a sampling period, is taken to represent the gap state in machining. The grey predictor is adopted to compensate the time-delayed R_ab caused by the low pass filter data processing. A gain self-tuning fuzzy control system has been developed to cope with the conditions that often occur with wire rupture in the WEDM process, such as an improper setting of machining parameters, machining the workpiece with varying thickness, etc. Experimental results of several cases show that the proposed controller results in a satisfactory performance. Not only can it immediately suppress transient situation once there is a sudden change of workpiece thickness, but a stable performance can also be achieved during machining a workpiece of constant thickness. As a result, wire rupture problems in most WEDM processes can be successively solved by the proposed control strategy.     

Machining Characteristics of Al2O3/6061Al Composite using Rotary EDM with a Disklike Electrode

This work optimises the cutting of Al₂O₃/6061Al composite using rotary electro-discharging machining (EDM) with a disklike electrode by using Taguchi methodology. The Taguchi method is used to formulate the experimental layout, to analyse the effect of each EDM parameter on the machining characteristics, and to predict the optimal choice for each EDM parameter. Four observed values, MRR, EWR, REWR, and SR, are used to verify this optimisation of the machining technique. In addition, six independent parameters are chosen as variables in evaluating the Taguchi method and are categorised into two groups: 1. Electrical parameters, e.g. polarity, peak current, pulse duration, and powder supply voltage. 2. Non-electrical parameters, e.g. circumferential speed of electrode, reciprocating speed. The analysis of the Taguchi method reveals that, in general, the electrical group more significantly affects the machining characteristics than the non-electrical group. Also derived herein are semi-empirical equation that contain all of the machining characteristics. Experimental results are presented to illustrate the proposed approach.     

Machining Fixture Verification for Nonlinear Fixture Systems

This paper presents a fixture configuration verification methodology for nonlinear fixture systems, which is developed on the basis of optimal clamping forces and total restraint. This method can be applied for validating the feasibility of a fixture with point, line and area contacts in two stages: fixturing and machining. The "∞-∞-∞" principle for nonlinear fixture location is proposed. The automatic fixture verification system is modelled as a nonlinear optimisation problem with respect to minimum clamping forces. The method provides a simple and effective means for: (a) verifying whether a particular fixturing configuration is valid with respect to locating stability, deterministic workpiece location, clamping stability and total restraint and (b) determining minimum variable clamping forces over the entire machining time. Two case studies are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and the capabilities of the methodology. ID="A1"Correspondance and offprint requests to: Prof. D. R. Strong, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, The University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3T 5V6. E-mail: strong@ms.umanitoba.ca     

面向零件陡峭面加工的刀路优化问题研究

针对目前数控加工过程中零件陡峭面螺旋切削加工方式的局限,在对高速加工（HSM）切削路径进行研究的基础上,借鉴手工编程的优点,通过整合辅助螺旋线和平面轮廓线的投影对计算机辅助制造(CAM)过程进行优化,提出一种新型复合式螺旋切削刀路,从而扩展了先进螺旋切削方式在高速加工中的应用范围。VERICUT软件模拟和实际加工的结果表明,新型刀路能够满足陡峭面和平面并存零件高速加工路径的要求。     

Experimental study on elastic deformation machining process for aspheric surface glass

Elastic deformation machining is a fabrication method that exploits the elastic deformation properties of materials under stress. Coupled with plane lapping machining process, this new fabrication method is suitable for machining complex aspheric surfaces. Upon completion of the machining process, the workpiece under process will be shaped into a desired surface form. The elastic deformation machining has several advantages over traditional fabrication methods, i.e., high machining compatibility and high fidelity of material property during machining process. The subject of this study is to determine the surface shape of the finished glass workpiece after the lapping process of the elastic deformation machining. The experimental results were compared with theoretical calculations. In the case when the vacuum pressure is 50 kPa, the maximum deviation value between the deformation curves from the theoretical calculation and the experiment results is within 62 μm. In order to improve the precision of form surface, the vacuum pressure is modified from 50 to 42 kPa. This reduction corresponds to a change of workpiece thickness when it is lapped. The results of the change of vacuum pressure show that the form accuracy produced is improved significantly and agrees very well with theoretical calculations. The maximum deviation in this case is 1.6 μm. The study indicates that the experimental plane lapping setup that exploits the material elasticity property can be utilized to fabricate aspheric lenses with axisymmetric surface and low complexity.     

Modeling of machined surface characteristics in cryogenic orthogonal turning of inconel 718

The determination of the optimal machining conditions for assuring desired machined surface characteristics of a part is one of the main goals in a machining process. In this article, the impact of a cooling lubrication fluid, its delivery phase and location, as well as machining parameters, on residual stresses have been investigated. The workpiece material under observation is Inconel 718. For measuring residual stress profiles, X-ray diffraction technique has been used. Additionally, besides the experimental work, modeling with the finite element method model was implemented and correlated with experimental results. The results show that residual stresses are influenced by the cooling lubrication scenario, even though the machining parameters are kept constant. However, flood and cryogenic machining show more compressive residual stresses than a dry machining case. On the other hand, the results have shown also that machining parameters influence residual stresses, where stresses increase with their increase (v_c and f).     

Analysis of shrinkage and warpage in an injection-molded part with a thin shell feature using the response surface methodology

This paper presents a systematic methodology to analyze the shrinkage and warpage in an injection-molded part with a thin shell feature during the injection molding process. The systematic experimental design based on the response surface methodology (RSM) is applied to identify the effects of machining parameters on the performance of shrinkage and warpage. The experiment plan adopts the centered central composite design (CCD). The quadratic model of RSM associated sequential approximation optimization (SAO) method is used to find the optimum value of machining parameters. One real case study in the injection molding process of polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC/ABS) cell phone shell has been performed to verify the proposed optimum procedure. The mold temperature (M _T), packing time (P _t), packing pressure (P _P) and cooling time (C _t) in the packing stage are considered as machining parameters. The results of analysis of variance (ANOVA) and conducting confirmation experiments demonstrate that the quadratic models of the shrinkage and warpage are fairly well fitted with the experimental values. The individual influences of all machining parameters on the shrinkage and warpage have been analyzed and predicted by the obtained mathematical models. For the manufacture of PC/ABS cell phone shell, the values of shrinkage and warpage present the reduction of 37.8 and 53.9%, respectively, using this optimal procedure.     

Experimental investigation of machining characteristics and chatter stability for Hastelloy-X with ultrasonic and hot turning

Ultrasonic-assisted machining is a machining operation based on the intermittent cutting of material which is obtained through vibrations generated by an ultrasonic system. This method utilizes low-amplitude vibrations with high frequency to prevent continuous contact between a cutting tool and a workpiece. Hot machining is another method for machining materials which are difficult to cut. The basic principle of this method is that the surface of the workpiece is heated to a specific temperature below the recrystallization temperature of the material. This heating operation can be applied before or during the machining process. Both of these operations improve machining operations in terms of workpiece-cutting tool characteristics. In this study, a novel hybrid machining method called hot ultrasonic-assisted turning (HUAT) is proposed for the machinability of Hastelloy-X material. This new technique combines ultrasonic-assisted turning (UAT) and hot turning methods to take advantage of both machining methods in terms of machining characteristics, such as surface roughness, stable cutting depths, and cutting tool temperature. In order to observe the effect of the HUAT method, Hastelloy-X alloy was selected as the workpiece. Experiments on conventional turning (CT), UAT, and HUAT operations were carried out for Hastelloy-X alloy, changing the cutting speed and cutting tool overhang lengths. Chip morphology was also observed. In addition, modal and sound tests were performed to investigate the modal and stability characteristics of the machining. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) method was performed to find the effect of the cutting speed, tool overhang length, and machining techniques (CT, UAT, HUAT) on surface roughness, stable cutting depths, and cutting tool temperature. The results show both ultrasonic vibration and heat improve the machining of Hastelloy-X. A decrease in surface roughness and an increase in stable cutting depths were observed, and higher cutting tool temperatures were obtained in UAT and HUAT compared to CT. According to the ANOVA results, tool overhang length, cutting speed, and machining techniques were effective parameters for surface roughness and stable cutting depths at a 1% significance level (p ≤ 0.01). In addition, cutting speed and machining techniques have an influence on cutting tool temperature at a 1% significance level (p ≤ 0.01). During chip analysis, serrated chips were observed in UAT and HUAT.     

Mechanistic approach to predict real machining time for milling free-form geometries applying high feed rate

An accurate estimate of machining time is very important for predicting delivery time, manufacturing costs, and also to help production process planning. Most commercial CAM software systems estimate the machining time in milling operations simply by dividing the entire tool path length by the programmed feed rate. This time estimate differs drastically from the real process time because the feed rate is not always constant due to machine and computer numerical controlled (CNC) limitations. This study presents a practical mechanistic method for milling time estimation when machining free-form geometries. The method considers a variable called machine response time (MRT) which characterizes the real CNC machine’s capacity to move in high feed rates in free-form geometries. MRT is a global performance feature which can be obtained for any type of CNC machine configuration by carrying out a simple test. For validating the methodology, a workpiece was used to generate NC programs for five different types of CNC machines. A practical industrial case study was also carried out to validate the method. The results indicated that MRT, and consequently, the real machining time, depends on the CNC machine’s potential: furthermore, the greater MRT, the larger the difference between predicted milling time and real milling time. The proposed method achieved an error range from 0.3% to 12% of the real machining time, whereas the CAM estimation achieved from 211% to 1244% error. The MRT-based process is also suggested as an instrument for helping in machine tool benchmarking.     

An improved tolerance charting technique using an analysis of setup capability

The tolerance charting method enables the calculation of working tolerances in machining process planning. The method has been used as a basic tool for analysing process plans for many decades. Process capability in tolerance charting is modelled using the tolerances of the working dimensions. The literature shows that machining process capability can be analysed from the point of view of surface position errors. During setups, it is possible to perform decomposition into two surface position tolerances: a datum surface position tolerance and a machining surface position tolerance. This type of analysis has the advantage of producing simplified tolerance chains. This paper provides an adaptation of the tolerance charting technique that uses a capability model based on datum and machining surface position tolerance. The results show an improvement in the working tolerance stackup that reduces the capability required for productive resources. As a result, reductions in manufacturing costs can be achieved. The proposal is valid for manual or computer-assisted techniques.     

<Emphasis Type="Bold">Two-Phase Parameter Design for the Optimisation of the Electrical-Discharge Machining Process Using a Taguchi Dynamic Experiment</Emphasis>

The paper presents the application of a Taguchi dynamic experiment in developing a robust high-speed and high-quality electrical-discharge machining (EDM) process. In this study, a two-phase parameter design strategy coupled with a double-signal ideal function methodology is proposed. In the first phase, the ideal function of the EDM process is designed as a linear relationship between the main input signal (machining time) and the first output (material removal weight). This model seeks to develop a robust machining process that leads to a high material removal rate. In the second phase, the ideal function is particularly designed as a linear relationship between the adjustment signal (electrode dimension) and the second output (product dimension). The purpose is to adjust machined product dimension of the EDM through optimised process parameters obtained in the first phase, to the desired dimension to provide an allowance for subsequent fine-polishing. Experimental results showed that using a Taguchi dynamic experiment coupled with the proposed two-phase design strategy is simple, effective, and efficient for developing a robust high-speed and high-quality EDM machining process. Optimisation of multiple quality characteristics in the EDM process has been achieved to meet the customers requirements.