Surface roughness modeling in Laser-assisted End Milling of Inconel 718

Inconel 718 is a difficult-to-machine material while products of this material require good surface finish. Therefore, it is essential for the evaluation and prediction of surface roughness of machined Inconel 718 workpiece to be developed. An analytical model for the prediction of surface roughness under laser-assisted end milling of Inconel 718 is proposed based on kinematics of tool movement and elastic response of workpiece. The actual tool trajectory is first predicted with the consideration of overall tool movement, elastic deformation of tool, and the tool tip profile. The tool movements include the translation in feed direction and the rotation along its axis. The elastic deformation is calculated based on the previously established milling force prediction model. The tool tip profile is predicted based on the tool tip radius and angle. The machined surface profile is simulated based on the tool trajectory with elastic recovery, which is considered through the comparison between the minimum thickness and actual cutting thickness. Experiments are conducted in both conventional and laser-assisted milling under seven different sets of cutting parameters. Through the comparison between the analytical predictions and experimental measurements, the proposed model has high accuracy with the maximum error less than 27%, which is more accurate for lower feed rate with error less than 3%. The proposed analytical model is valuable for providing a fast, credible, and physics-based method for the prediction of surface roughness in milling process.     

An accuracy design approach for a multi-axis NC machine tool based on reliability theory

Accuracy design constitutes an important role in machine tool designing. It is used to determine the permissible level of each error parameter of a machine tool, so that any criterion can be optimized. Geometric, thermal-induced, and cutting force-induced errors are responsible for a large number of comprehensive errors of a machine tool. These errors not only influence the machining accuracy but are also of great importance for accuracy design to be performed. The aim of this paper is the proposal of a general approach that simultaneously considered geometric, thermal-induced, and cutting force-induced errors, in order for machine tool errors to be allocated. By homogeneous transformation matrix (HTM) application, a comprehensive error model was developed for the machining accuracy of a machine tool to be acquired. In addition, a generalized radial basis function (RBF) neural network modeling method was used in order for a thermal and cutting force-induced error model to be established. Based on the comprehensive error model, the importance sampling method was applied for the reliability and sensitivity analysis of the machine tool to be conducted, and two mathematical models were presented. The first model predicted the reliability of the machine tool, whereas the second was used to identify and optimize the error parameters with larger effect on the reliability. The permissible level of each geometric error parameter can therefore be determined, whereas the reliability met the design requirement and the cost of this machining was optimized. An experiment was conducted on a five-axis machine tool, and the results confirmed the proposed approach being able to display the accuracy design of the machine tool.     

Wall thickness error prediction and compensation in end milling of thin-plate parts

End milling has been widely adopted to machine the thin-plate parts that play increasingly important role in the aerospace industry, due to the advantages of high machining accuracy and fine machined surface quality. In this paper, a systematic method is proposed to predict and compensate the wall thickness errors in end milling of thin-plate parts. The errors are caused by the static deflections induced by the varying cutting force imposed on the weakly rigid part. To improve the efficiency of computing the part deformation, a novel FE model is firstly developed by combing the methods of substructure analysis, special mesh generation and structural static stiffness modification. Then, the time- and position-dependent deformations of the part are calculated based on the proposed FE model to predict the wall thickness errors left on the finished part. It reveals for the first time that the surface topography of the finished thin-plate part is formed by the repeated cutting with the bottom edge of the cutter (BEC) in end milling. Owing to the coupling between the axial cutting depth (ACD) and the force-induced deflection, the modified ACDs for compensation of the static wall thickness errors are finally determined by an iterative adjustment method. The proposed method is verified by three-axis end milling experiments. The experiment results show that the predicted wall thickness errors match well with the really measured ones, and the errors are reduced by 77.18% with the help of the proposed compensation method. Moreover, the proposed FE model reduces the computational time elapsed for error prediction by 67.44% as compared with the benchmark FE model.     

Chucking compliance compensation with a linear motor-driven tool system

This paper describes a system that compensates for machining errors resulting from chucking with separated jaws. In machining a chucked cylindrical workpiece, degradation in machining accuracy, such as out-of-roundness, is inevitable due to variation in the radial compliance of the chuck workpiece system caused by the position of jaws with respect to the direction of the applied force. To compensate for the machining error induced by chucking compliance, the roundness profile of the workpiece due to chucking compliance after machining should be predicted first. Then, using this prediction profile, a compensating tool feed trajectory can be generated. By synchronizing the cutting tool drive system with the rotation of the workpiece, machining errors induced by chucking compliance can be reduced. To satisfy the condition that the cutting tool feed system must provide both high speed and high position accuracy, a brushless linear DC motor is used. In this study, first, the variation in the radial compliance of the chuck workpiece system is obtained through a force-deflection experiment with a workpiece-chucked lathe. Next, using mathematical equations and the results of the cutting experiment, a workpiece profile prediction and its compensating tool trajectory are generated. Then, the configuration of the compensation system based on a linear motor is described, and a proportional integral derivative (PID) controller is designed to improve the system performance. Finally, the tracking performance of the system is confirmed by experiment. A real cutting experiment shows significant improvement in roundness.     

有限样本下基于迁移学习的铣削稳定性预测方法

传统铣削稳定性分析因采用静态刀尖点频响函数和平均切削力系数而使其在真实工况下的预测精度降低。为此,引入迁移学习提出一种基于少量实验样本的铣削稳定性预测方法。首先,生成静态刀尖点频响函数和平均切削力系数在全转速范围内多个系列的随机值,并在各系列下进行铣削稳定性分析,通过计算少量极限切削深度实验值与对应的预测值之间的误差,确定最优系列并以其构造源域稳定域数据;然后,利用大量源域数据建立极限切削深度的预训练模型,通过少量实验样本全局微调此模型使其适应真实加工场景。以40组颤振实验样本展开实例验证,所提方法比采用少样本建模的预测精度提升32%,并对比不同数据规模下各类模型预测精度,共同验证所提方法的有效性。     

A real-time thermal inaccuracy compensation method on a machining centre

The errors which affect the processing precision of a machining tool are due to the built in volumetric errors in the machine structure, and also the thermal displacement of the machine tool during cutting. In this paper, a new technique is developed to compensate for these errors in machine tools. The work demonstrates that the thermal effect is quite different in air-cutting conditions and real-cutting conditions. An IC type thermometer is designed to detect the temperature variation at specific components of the machine tool. These thermal displacements are measured on-line with a touch trigger probe. A mathematical model is then built, based on the sensed temperature variation and the thermal displacements by multivariable regression analysis. Finally, these errors are reduced on the machine by sending a feedback signal to the CNC controller to improve the processing precision of the machine tool. In this research, the errors are successfully reduced to within 4 µm for general cutting.     

基于SVR-GA算法的广义加工空间机床切削稳定性预测与优化研究

针对机床零件加工位置和进给方向不确定造成刀尖频响函数变化,导致切削稳定性叶瓣图与无颤振工艺参数预测具有不确定性问题,提出一种耦合支持向量回归机(SVR)与遗传算法(GA)的切削稳定性预测与优化方法。该方法采用锤击法模态实验和空间坐标变换,获取样本空间不同加工位置与进给方向的刀尖频响函数;进而结合传统切削稳定性预测方法构建以各向运动部件位移、进给角度、主轴转速、切削宽度、每齿进给量为输入的极限切削深度SVR预测模型;采用该SVR模型作为切削稳定性约束建立材料切除率优化模型,通过遗传算法求解各运动轴位移、进给角度与切削参数的最优配置。以某型加工中心展开实例研究,实验结果表明获取的优化配置能实现稳定切削,验证了该方法的有效性。     

新型切削加工机器人常用表面加工方法研究

在分析了传统切削加工机器人刚性差、精度低的基础上,研制成功了一种新型切削加工机器人。该切削加工机器人不仅具有机器人一样灵活的柔性,而且具有金属切削机床一样的刚性,特别适合于空间自由曲面的加工与测量等。在坐标变换理论的基础上,提出了切削加工机器人关联矩阵加工理论。并且根据这一理论,给出端铣刀立铣加工平面的计算方法。通过ADAMS进行仿真,验证了所开发的切削加工机器人的可靠性以及关联矩阵加工理论的正确性,为控制和数控编程提供依据。     

Modeling and compensation of geometric errors in simultaneous cutting using a multi-spindle machine tool

A volumetric error compensation method for a machining center that has multiple cutting tools operating simultaneously has been developed. Due to axis sharing, the geometric errors of multi-spindle, concurrent cutting processes are characterized by a significant coupling of error components in each cutting tool. As a result, it is not possible to achieve exact volumetric error compensation for all axes. To minimize the overall volumetric error in simultaneous cutting, a method to determine compensation amount using weighted least squares has been proposed. This method also allows tolerance distribution of machining accuracy for different surfaces of a workpiece. A geometric error model has been developed using an arch-type, multi-spindle machine tool, and the error compensation simulation results based on this model are presented. The simulation results demonstrated effectiveness of the proposed error compensation algorithm for use with multi-spindle simultaneous cutting applications.     

Precision surface characterization for finish cylindrical milling with dynamic tool displacements model

In this work a new approach to surface roughness parameters estimation during finish cylindrical end milling is presented. The proposed model includes the influence of cutting parameters, the tool’s static run out and dynamic phenomena related to instantaneous tool deflections. The modeling procedure consists of two parts. In the first stage, tool working part instantaneous displacements are estimated using an analytical model which considers tool dynamic deflections and static errors of the machine – tool-holder – tool system. The obtained height of the tool’s displacement envelope is then applied in the second stage to the calculation of surface roughness parameters. These calculations assume that in the cylindrical milling process, two different mechanisms of surface profile formation exist. Which mechanism is present is dependent on the feed per tooth and the maximum height of the tool’s displacement envelope. The developed model is validated during cylindrical milling of hardened hot-work tool steel 55NiCrMoV6 using a stylus profiler and scanning laser vibrometer over a range of cutting parameters. The surface roughness values predicted by the developed model are in good agreement with measured values. It is found that the employment of a model which includes only the effect of static displacements gives an inferior estimation of surface roughness compared to the model incorporating dynamic tool deflections.     

A new high-efficiency error compensation system for CNC multi-axis machine tools

To enhance the accuracy of CNC machines for the request of modern industry, an effective static/quasi-static error compensation system composed of an element-free interpolation algorithm based on the Galerkin method for error prediction, a recursive software compensation procedure, and an NC-code converting software, is developed. Through automatically analyzing the machining path, the new error prediction method takes into consideration the fact that the machine structure is non-rigid, and can efficiently determine the position errors of the cutter for compensation without computing a complex error model on-line. The predicted errors are then compensated based on a recursive compensation algorithm. Finally, a compensated NC program will be automatically generated by the NC-code converting software for the precision machining process. Because of the advantage of the element-free theory, the error prediction method can flexibly and irregularly distribute nodal points for accurate error prediction for a machine with complex error distribution characteristics throughout the workspace. To verify the algorithm and the developed system, cutting experiments were conducted in this study, and the results have shown the success of the proposed error compensation system.     

基于改进粒子群算法的并联机器人运动学精度提高新方法

针对并联机器人在基于给定工作任务进行轨迹规划过程中,存在因机构误差引起的期望轨迹与理想轨迹之间的偏差,由此造成并联机器人运动学精度降低的问题,提出了一种并联机器人运动学精度提高新方法。首先将连续工作任务离散化为满足精度要求的若干理想位姿点,在建立并联机器人位姿误差模型基础上,将机构误差项转化为驱动杆误差;基于种群排列熵模型和粒子速度激活机制改进了粒子群算法,并利用改进的粒子群算法组合优化驱动杆参数,补偿并联机器人位姿误差,进而修正期望轨迹以提高并联机器人运动学精度。通过MATLAB和ADAMS仿真验证了所提出方法的可行性和有效性。     

一种并联机器人误差综合补偿方法

针对并联机器人轨迹规划和轨迹跟踪过程中,同时存在机构误差引起的期望轨迹与理想轨迹之间的偏差和非线性摩擦、负载变化等扰动因素引起的动态误差,提出一种并联机器人误差综合补偿方法:在轨迹规划过程中,基于并联机器人位姿误差模型将位姿误差补偿转化为驱动杆参数组合优化问题,进而利用粒子群算法寻优驱动杆参数,修正并联机器人期望轨迹;在轨迹跟踪过程中,设计基于自适应迭代学习控制算法的动态误差补偿策略,实现对期望轨迹的有效跟踪。在Stewart平台下基于ADAMS和Matlab进行仿真试验,在轨迹规划和轨迹跟踪过程中,分别修正期望轨迹偏差并补偿轨迹跟踪动态误差,实现并联机器人误差综合补偿。进一步,基于混联机床进行工件加工试验,验证方法对于提高并联机器人工作精度的有效性。     

数控加工刀尖圆弧半径补偿原理及刀补指令使用技巧

根据数控加工高精度制造的需要,从刀具实际几何角度分析编程刀尖点与切削刃切削点不重合而产生加工误差的几种情况和原因,阐明根据数控系统的补偿原理减小这种误差的基本方法和G41,G42,G40指令的应用技巧,对优化编制数控加工程序、保证加工精度有积极作用.通过半径补偿能消除车削右端面、锥面及圆弧时发生少切或过切的现象.     

Cutter workpiece engagement region and surface topography prediction in five-axis ball-end milling

Based on the machining tool path and the true trajectory equation of the cutting edge relative to the workpiece, the engagement region between the cutter and workpiece is analyzed and a new model is developed for the numerical simulation of the machined surface topography in a multiaxis ball-end milling process. The influence of machining parameters such as the feed per tooth, the radial depth of cut, the angle orientation tool, the cutter runout, and the tool deflection upon the topography are taken into account in the model. Based on the cutter workpiece engagement, the cutting force model is established. The tool deflections are extracted and used in the surface topography model for simulation. The predicted force profiles were compared to the measured ones. A reasonable agreement between the experimental and the predicted results was found.     

基于刀具跳动的环形铣刀切削厚度模型的切削力计算

数控铣削过程中,切削变形引起的瞬时切削厚度是影响铣削加工切削力建模的重要参数之一,针对环形铣刀的切削特点,在考虑刀具跳动的情况下,对真实刀刃轨迹运动进行分析。将微细铣削的加工过程用宏观铣削来表示,从而建立了基于宏观铣削过程中刀具跳动下精密加工的瞬时切削厚度。通过仿真模拟和切削力试验来预测切削力,预测结果和试验结果具有一致性,表明该模型可以更好的预测加工过程中的切削力。     

Prediction of cutting forces and machining error in ball end milling of curved surfaces -I theoretical analysis

This paper presents a theoretical model by which cutting forces and machining error in ball end milling of curved surfaces can be predicted. The actual trochoidal paths of the cutting edges are considered in the evaluation of the chip geometry. The cutting forces are evaluated based on the theory of oblique cutting. The machining errors resulting from force induced tool deflections are calculated at various parts of the machined surface. The influences of various cutting conditions, cutting styles and cutting modes on cutting forces and machining error are investigated. The results of this study show that in contouring, the cutting force component which influences the machining error decreases with increase in milling position angle; while in ramping, the two force components which influence machining error are hardly affected by the milling position angle. It is further seen that in contouring, down cross-feed yields higher accuracy than up cross-feed, while in ramping, right cross-feed yields higher accuracy than left cross-feed. The machining error generally decreases with increase in milling position angle.     

Modeling the dynamic properties of conventional and high-damping boring bars

Nowadays, the availability of reliable mathematical models of machining system dynamics is a key issue for achieving high quality standards in precision machining. Dynamic models can indeed be applied for tooling system design, preventive evaluation of cutting process stability and optimization of cutting parameters. This is of particular concern in internal turning, where the cutting process is greatly affected by the compliance of the tooling system. In this paper, an innovative hybrid dynamic model of the tooling system in internal turning, based on FE beams and empirical models, is presented. The model was based on physical and geometrical assumptions and it was refined by using experimental observations derived from modal testing of boring bars with different geometries and made of different materials, i.e. alloy steel and high-damping carbide. The predicted modal parameters of the tooling system (tool tip static compliance, natural frequency and damping coefficient of the dominant mode) are in good accordance with experimental values.     

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.     

Dynamic characterization of machining robot and stability analysis

Machining robots have major advantages over cartesian machine tools because of their flexibility, their ability to reach inaccessible areas on a complex part, and their important workspace. However, their lack of rigidity and precision is still a limit for precision tasks. Innovations and design optimization of robotic structure, links, and power transmission allow robot manufacturers to propose business solutions for machining applications. Beyond accuracy problems, it is also necessary to quantify the vibration phenomena that may affect, as in machine tools, the quality of machined parts and the tools and spindle lifespan. These vibrations occurred at specific machining conditions depending on robot and spindle dynamic properties. The robot’s posture evolved significantly in its workspace and induces dynamic’s changes observed at the tool tip that in turn impact the stability of the machining process. The objective of this paper is to quantify the dynamic behavior’s variation of an ABB IRB 6660 robot equipped with a high-speed machining (HSM) spindle in its workspace and analyze the consequences in terms of machining stability. Through an experimental modal characterization, significant variability of modal parameters is observed at the tool tip and impacts the stability of machining. The results show that an adjustment of the cutting conditions must accompany the change of robot posture during machining to ensure stability.