Modeling and simulation of 5-axis milling processes

5-axis milling is widely used in machining of complex surfaces. Part quality and productivity are extremely important due to the high cost of machine tools and parts involved. Process models can be used for the selection of proper process parameters. Although extensive research has been conducted on milling process modeling, very few are on 5-axis milling. This paper presents models for 5-axis milling process geometry, cutting force and stability. The application of the models in selection of important parameters is also demonstrated. A practical method, developed for the extraction of cutting geometry, is used in simulation of a complete 5-axis cycle.     

Mechanistic modeling and accurate measurement of micro end milling forces

Micro milling operations can fabricate miniaturized components with high relative accuracy. Since micro machining operations are different than conventional macro machining processes, due to the large negative rake angle and elasto-plastic effects, it is important that the modeling of micro end milling forces incorporates the dynamics of the tool, ploughing and elastic recovery. This study examines the mechanistic modeling of shearing and ploughing domain cutting regimes to accurately predict micro milling forces. The tool dynamics are indirectly identified by performing receptance coupling analysis. Furthermore, the Kalman filter compensation method is used to precisely measure the forces to obtain the cutting constants.     

Five-axis milling mechanics for complex free form surfaces

Accurate and fast prediction of machining forces is important in high performance cutting of free form surfaces that are commonly used in aerospace, automotive, biomedical and die/mold industries. This paper presents a novel and generalized approach for prediction of cutting forces in five-axis machining of parts with complex free form surfaces. Engagement simulations between cutter and part are performed precisely along the tool path by a recently developed boundary representation method. Moreover, mathematical model for five-axis milling mechanics is developed for any given solid model of parts with complex free form surfaces. Theoretical simulations and experimental validations show that cutting forces are predicted fast and precisely for five-axis machining of complex free form surfaces.     

Least squares approximated stability boundaries of milling process

First and second order least squares methods are used in generating simple approximation polynomials for the state term of the model for regenerative chatter in the milling process. The least squares approximation of delayed state term and periodic term of the model does not go beyond first order. The resulting discrete maps are demonstrated to have same convergence rate as the discrete maps in other works that are based on the interpolation theory. The presented discrete maps are illustrated to be beneficial in terms of computational time (CT) savings that derive from reduction in the number of calculation needed for generation system monodromy matrix. This benefit is so much that computational time of second order least squares-based discrete map is noticeably shorter than that of first order interpolation-based discrete map. It is expected from analysis then verified numerically that savings in CT due to use of least squares theory relative to use of interpolation theory of same order rises with rise in order of approximation. The experimentally determined model parameters used for numerical calculations are extracted from literature.     

Dynamic Compensation of Spindle-Integrated Force Sensors

This paper presents a dynamically compensated Spindle-Integrated Force Sensor system to measure cutting forces. Piezo-electric force sensors are integrated into the stationary spindle housing to measure cutting forces in three directions. The transfer function of the spindle structure between the cutting forces acting on the tool tip and the measured forces at the spindle housing are identified. Using the cutting force signals measured at the spindle housing, a Kalman filter is designed to filter the influence of structural modes on the force measurements. The frequency bandwidth of the force measurement system is significantly increased with the proposed sensor and the signal processing method. Milling experiments with tooth passing frequencies up to 1000 Hz are presented with effective removal of cutting force distortions caused by three structural modes of the spindle.     

An expert troubleshooting system for the milling process

Common problems experienced in milling processes include forced and chatter vibrations, tolerance violations, chipping and premature wear of the tools. This paper presents an expert system which attempts to troubleshoot the source of milling problems by utilising dynamics data coupled with the opinion of the operator and acoustic Fourier spectrum data taken from the cutting process. The expert system utilises a fuzzy logic based process to interpret the signals and information, and recommends possible alterations to the process to achieve high-performance milling operations.Specific inference engines were developed to assess the chatter stability, variation in cutting force coefficient, tool run-out and forced vibration characteristics of the system. Lastly, a stability lobe plot interpretation engine to automate the lobe selection process and recommend new, chatter free cutting conditions, was also developed. The chatter stability inference engine was tested with real cutting data, through acoustic measurements taken from various cutting conditions on an aluminium milling process. The chatter inference engine successfully determined the stability of the system for each sampled cutting condition. The robustness of the troubleshooting system depends on the accuracy of acoustic and frequency response measurements.     

Cylindrical milling tools: Comparative real case study for process stability

Critical comparison is presented related to the stability behaviour of milling processes performed by conventional, variable helix and serrated milling tools. The paper presents a general milling model linked to any non-proportionally damped dynamic system. Extended multi frequency solution and semi-discretization are implemented and used to calculate the stability of stationary milling. Measurements performed in industrial environment validate the general numerical algorithm that is able to predict the stability conditions of milling processes carried out by cylindrical cutters of optional geometry. Both the calculations and the measurements confirm that, for roughing operations, the highest stability gain can be achieved by serrated cutters. It is also demonstrated that variable helix milling tools can achieve better stability behaviour only if their geometry is optimized for the given cutting operation.     

Compound machining of titanium alloy by super high speed EDM milling and arc machining

A novel compound machining of titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) by super high speed electrical discharge machining (EDM) milling and arc machining was proposed in this paper. The power supply consisted of a pulse generator and a DC power source which were isolated from each other. A rotating pipe graphite electrode was connected to the negative pole of the power supply. The plasma channel was able to deionize, and maximum material removal rate (MRR) reached 21,494 mm³/min with a relative electrode wear ratio (REWR) of 1.7% because of high current and efficient flushing. Compared with traditional EDM, the compound machining achieved a significantly higher MRR but a similar REWR. To investigate the characteristics of the compound machining, the effects of electrode polarity, peak voltage, peak current, and flushing pressure on the performance of the process, including its MRR, REWR, and radius of overcut (ROC), were determined. In addition, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and microhardness analysis were conducted. Result shows that the proposed method can machine difficult-to-machine materials efficiently.     

Data fusion neural network for tool condition monitoring in CNC milling machining

Several data fusion methods are addressed in this research to integrate the detected data for the neural network applications of on-line monitoring of the tool condition in CNC milling machining. One dynamometer and one accelerometer were used in the experiments. The collected signals were pre-processed to extract the feature elements for the purpose of effectively monitoring the tool wear condition. Different data fusion methods were adopted to integrate the obtained feature elements before they were applied into the learning procedure of the neural networks. The training-efficiency and test-performance of the data fusion methods were then analyzed. The convergence speed and the test error were recorded and used to represent the training efficiency and test performance of the different data fusion methods. From an analysis of the results of the calculations based on the experimental data, it was found that the performance of the monitoring system could be significantly improved with suitable selection of the data fusion method.     

Modelling of tooth trajectory and process geometry in peripheral milling of curved surfaces

The paper presents modelling of tooth trajectory and process geometry in peripheral milling of curved surfaces. The paper differs from previous work in this area, in two respects. Firstly it deals with milling of variable curvature geometries unlike zero and constant curvature geometries dealt in the past. Secondly true tooth trajectories are considered for modelling process geometry in milling of curved surfaces instead of simpler circular tooth trajectories. Mathematical expressions for, feed per tooth along cutter contact path, entry and exits angles of tooth, undeformed chip thickness and surface error are derived and effect of workpiece curvature on these variables is studied. As cutting forces depend on these process variables, physical experiments were also performed to study the effect of workpiece curvature on cutting forces. Process simulation experiments carried out show the need for modelling true tooth trajectories instead of circular tooth trajectories particularly for curved geometries. Results also show that using simpler constant curvature models to variable curvature geometries for the purpose of estimation of process geometry variables could be erroneous.     

Feedrate optimization for freeform milling considering constraints from the feed drive system and process mechanics

This paper presents a new and comprehensive strategy for planning minimum cycle time tool trajectories subject to both machining process related constraints, and also limitations of the feed drive control system. The machining process is considered by computing the workpiece-tool engagement along the toolpath and setting local feed limits to maintain a specified resultant cutting force. The drive constraints are considered by limiting the velocity, acceleration, and jerk magnitudes commanded to each actuator. Feed profiling is realized with uninterrupted acceleration transitions, capable of spanning multiple toolpath segments. Effectiveness of the proposed strategy is demonstrated in sculptured surface machining experiments.     

Modeling regenerative workpiece vibrations in five-axis milling

During milling—especially of thin-walled components—the dynamic behavior of the workpiece-tool-machine-system influences the milling process and particularly the quality of the resulting workpiece surface. This article focuses on the presentation of a simulation concept for predicting regenerative workpiece vibrations, which combines a finite element model for analyzing the dynamic behavior of the workpiece with a time domain simulation for the five-axis milling process. Both concepts, their linking, and the experimental setup for verifying the simulation will be described. A comparison of the simulation results with the data measured in experiments with regard to the vibration frequencies as well as the surface quality will be given.     

Active vibration control in palletised workholding system for milling

This paper presents the development implementation and testing of an active controlled palletised workholding system for milling operations. The traditional approach to controlling vibration in a machining system is to develop control systems for cutting tools or machine spindles as in the case of milling machines. This work is a deviation from the traditional approach and targets a workholding system for the control of unwanted vibration. Palletised workholding systems, due to their compact design, offer an opportunity to design active control systems that are economical and easier to implement in the case of milling machines. The active control system developed here is based on an adaptive filtering algorithm, the filtered X-LMS, and employs piezo-actuators for dynamic control force. The system has been tested experimentally to demonstrate the reduction in dynamic force due to vibration. Extensive testing has been carried out to validate the performance of the system in terms of parameters of practical importance such as improvement in surface finish and increase in tool life.     

Gap control for near-dry EDM milling with lead angle

A new gap control strategy for five-axis milling using near-dry electrical discharge machining (EDM) has been experimentally investigated. The conventional EDM control strategy only allows the retraction of the electrode in the direction of machining trajectory, which results in inefficient gap control when the electrode is not perpendicular to the workpiece. The new gap controller is capable of retracting the electrode in the direction of its orientation. This enables more efficient enlargement of the discharge gap leading to faster recovery of average gap voltage. Experimental results show a 30% increase in material removal rate while the tool electrode wear ratio and surface roughness are not affected. Furthermore, EDM efficiency is improved due to the change in the electrode retraction in its axial direction. The gain tuning of the proposed controller is also discussed. This study shows the direction of electrode retraction is important for five-axis near-dry EDM milling.     

Modelling of the electrochemical machining process by the boundary element method

This paper describes the development and application of the boundary element method to model the machining of simple milling and turning features. The 3D model uses linear triangular elements to discretise the workpiece and tool surfaces. Highlights of the program include the use of analytical integration to calculate the element matrices rather than numerical, and the automatic refinement of the mesh as the workpiece is progressively machined. The program has been tested for milling slots using a rectangular tool and for turning a thin-walled tube. It is shown that there is good agreement between the predicted and experimental results.     

基于模糊芯片的加工过程智能控制

以F100模糊芯片为例,设计了基于模糊芯片的控制系统,并在非线性的加工过程进行了仿真实验,同时运用于铣削过程的现场实验。仿真和现场试验表明,用模糊芯片所构造的模糊控制器具有较好的鲁棒性,可适应于加工过程的工况变化。     

Finite element method based machining simulation environment for analyzing part errors induced during milling of thin-walled components

The rigid body motion of the workpieces and their elastic–plastic deformations induced during high speed milling of thin-walled parts are the main root causes of part geometrical and dimensional variabilities; these are governed mainly from the choice of process plan parameters such as fixture layout design, operation sequence, selected tool path strategies and the values of cutting variables. Therefore, it becomes necessary to judge the validity of a given process plan before going into actual machining. This paper presents an overview of a comprehensive finite element method (FEM) based milling process plan verification model and associated tools, which by considering the effects of fixturing, operation sequence, tool path and cutting parameters simulates the milling process in a transient 3D virtual environment and predicts the part thin wall deflections and elastic–plastic deformations during machining. The advantages of the proposed model over previous works are: (i) Performs a computationally efficient transient thermo-mechanical coupled field milling simulation of complex prismatic parts comprising any combination of machining features like steps, slots, pockets, nested features, etc., using a feature based milling simulation approach; (ii) Predicts the workpiece non-linear behavior during machining due to its changing geometry, inelastic material properties and fixture–workpiece flexible contacts; (iii) Allows the modelling of the effects of initial residual stresses (residing inside the raw stock) on part deformations; (iv) Incorporates an integrated analytical machining load (cutting force components and average shear plane temperature) model; and (v) Provides a seamless interface to import an automatic programming tool file (APT file) generated by CAM packages like CATIA V5. The prediction accuracy of the model was validated experimentally and the obtained numerical and experimental results were found in good agreement.     

Hyper-third order full-discretization methods in milling stability prediction

Full-discretization methods beyond the third order is not yet explored except for this work in which the fourth and fifth order methods are presented. It is seen in earlier works that accuracy of milling stability analysis using the full-discretization method rises from the first order method to the second order method and continues to rise to the third order method. It is seen in this work that the rise in accuracy of the full-discretization method with order continues to the proposed fourth order method where it (accuracy) peaks before a decline to the proposed fifth order method.     

An overview of approaches to end milling tool monitoring

The increase in awareness regarding the need to optimise manufacturing process efficiency has led to a great deal of research aimed at machine tool condition monitoring. This paper considers the application of condition monitoring techniques to the detection of cutting tool wear and breakage during the milling process. Established approaches to the problem are considered and their application to the next generation of monitoring systems is discussed. Two approaches are identified as being key to the industrial application of operational tool monitoring systems.Multiple sensor systems, which use a wide range of sensors with an increasing level of intelligence, are seen as providing long-term benefits, particularly in the field of tool wear monitoring. Such systems are being developed by a number of researchers in this area. The second approach integrates the control signals used by the machine controller into a process monitoring system which is capable of detecting tool breakage. Initial findings mainly under laboratory conditions, indicate that both these approaches can be of major benefit. It is finally argued that a combination of these approaches will ultimately lead to robust systems which can operate in an industrial environment.     

Delayed-reference control (DRC) applied to machining operations

This paper deals with a non-time based control for machining operations. Such a control can be implemented in most of the CNC centers in a practical way. Basically, in this control, which belongs to the category of non-time based controllers, the desired input reference is a function of the time and of a variable which plays the role of a time delay: x_d(t−T). Indeed, the proposed controller is called delayed-reference control (DRC). It is recalled that in a time-based control, the desired input reference is described as a function of time only, which is referred to as reference time: x_d(t). The calculation of this function is usually implemented off-line by means of the so called path-planning process. According to this traditional approach, during the task execution, at each instant, the control module is required to track an input reference. What is relevant is that such a reference can never be modified by any event or circumstance. The DRC control differs from time-based controllers in the sense that time delay is properly calculated on-line according to the measured force signals in such a way to improve the interaction during the cutting process. In fact, the DRC consists in an outer force feedback loop around an inner position feedback loop. The effectiveness of the controller has been proven by means of its implementation on a three axes CNC center for wood machining. Eventually, experimental results are presented.