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。     

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.     

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.     

An intelligent feedrate scheduling based on virtual machining

Off-line feedrate scheduling is an advanced methodology to automatically determine optimum feedrates for NC code modification. However, most existing feedrate scheduling systems have limitations in generating the optimised feedrates because they use the material removal rate or the cutting force model which is dependent on cutting conditions. This paper proposes a feedrate scheduling system based on an improved cutting force model that can predict cutting forces accurately in general end milling situations. Original blocks of NC code were divided into smaller ones with the optimised feedrates to adjust the peak value of cutting forces to a constant value. The acceleration and deceleration characteristics for a given machine tool were considered for realistic feedrate scheduling. Moreover, a modified type of Z-map model was developed to reduce the entry/exit angle calculation error in the cutting force prediction and named the moving edge node Z-map (ME Z-map). Pocket machining experiments show that the proposed method is accurate and efficient in maintaining the cutting force at a desired level.     

ENHANCEMENT OF PRODUCTIVITY BY INTELLIGENT PROGRAMMING OF FEED RATE IN 3-AXIS MILLING

An optimized feed scheduling strategy (OFSS) is proposed in this paper to maximize the metal removal rate in 3-axis milling while guaranteeing the machining accuracy. This strategy integrates the feed drive dynamics, described by the acceleration/deceleration (Acc/Dec) profile, with the minimum-time trajectory planning in order to achieve the desired feed rate at the appropriate position. An optimum use of the feed drive capabilities is considered to track the changes in the cutting geometry along the tool path. Therefore, this strategy combines different constraints and various criteria in modifying the feed rate to maintain near-constant cutting force resulting in highly non-linear problem. The constraints include the cutting force, the feed rate boundaries, the contour error and the characteristics of the (Acc/Dec) profile. The criteria are the maximum production rate, the machining accuracy and safety. The performance of the OFSS in terms of these criteria, is compared to two end milling operations where the trajectory planning disregards the feed drive dynamics. The first is based on a feed scheduling strategy using control points (FSCP). The second is a milling operation with nominal feed rate. By increasing the feed rates, the OFSS improves the machining accuracy, reduces the machining time, and allows a better regulation of the cutting force.     

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。     

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.     

Redesigned Surface Based Machining Strategy and Method in Peripheral Milling of Thin-walled Parts

Currently, simultaneously ensuring the machining accuracy and efficiency of thin-walled structures especially high performance parts still remains a challenge. Existing compensating methods are mainly focusing on 3-aixs machining, which sometimes only take one given point as the compensative point at each given cutter location. This paper presents a redesigned surface based machining strategy for peripheral milling of thin-walled parts. Based on an improved cutting force/heat model and finite element method(FEM) simulation environment, a deflection error prediction model, which takes sequence of cutter contact lines as compensation targets, is established. And an iterative algorithm is presented to determine feasible cutter axis positions. The final redesigned surface is subsequently generated by skinning all discrete cutter axis vectors after compensating by using the proposed algorithm. The proposed machining strategy incorporates the thermo-mechanical coupled effect in deflection prediction, and is also validated with flank milling experiment by using five-axis machine tool. At the same time, the deformation error is detected by using three-coordinate measuring machine. Error prediction values and experimental results indicate that they have a good consistency and the proposed approach is able to significantly reduce the dimension error under the same machining conditions compared with conventional methods. The proposed machining strategy has potential in high-efficiency precision machining of thin-walled parts.     

ENHANCEMENT OF PRODUCTIVITY BY INTELLIGENT PROGRAMMING OF FEED RATE IN 3-AXIS MILLING

An optimized feed scheduling strategy (OFSS) is proposed in this paper to maximize the metal removal rate in 3-axis milling while guaranteeing the machining accuracy. This strategy integrates the feed drive dynamics, described by the acceleration/deceleration (Acc/Dec) profile, with the minimum-time trajectory planning in order to achieve the desired feed rate at the appropriate position. An optimum use of the feed drive capabilities is considered to track the changes in the cutting geometry along the tool path. Therefore, this strategy combines different constraints and various criteria in modifying the feed rate to maintain near-constant cutting force resulting in highly non-linear problem. The constraints include the cutting force, the feed rate boundaries, the contour error and the characteristics of the (Acc/Dec) profile. The criteria are the maximum production rate, the machining accuracy and safety. The performance of the OFSS in terms of these criteria, is compared to two end milling operations where the trajectory planning disregards the feed drive dynamics. The first is based on a feed scheduling strategy using control points (FSCP). The second is a milling operation with nominal feed rate. By increasing the feed rates, the OFSS improves the machining accuracy, reduces the machining time, and allows a better regulation of the cutting force.     

自由曲面铣削误差预测

在航空航天工业等行业中,对于复杂薄壁曲面零件,极易产生由工件变形引起的加工误差,这直接影响了零件的加工精度及表面质量。本文研究了薄壁叶片型面精加工切削过程中工件变形对加工精度的影响:首先利用正交试验求出球头铣刀的铣削力公式,进而结合有限元方法,编写柔性切削变形迭代算法,计算出薄壁叶片的最终变形量,并分析了叶片的变形规律,这对提高叶片加工精度具有重要的实际应用价值。     

开式三元叶轮高效率数控粗加工策略

论述了五轴数控粗加工的高效铣削策略和关键技术,对于影响数控粗加工效率的主要因素进行了分析,对于高速钢铣刀和硬质合金铣刀采用侧铣和插铣数控加工方法以及刀具选择进行了简要叙述,并且通过大量三元叶轮实际加工总结了一种面向三元叶轮加工特征、考虑刀具寿命的粗加工策略的原则,使三元叶轮的加工效率大大提高。     

基于现场总线的恒功率约束切削加工自适应控制

以进给速度为控制对象的自适应约束控制(ACC)技术有利于提高数控加工效率和实现刀具保护,在分析Profibus总线和模糊控制特点的基础上,针对铣削加工过程的非线性、时变性和不确定性,提出了基于现场总线的铣削加工过程自适应模糊控制的解决方案.采用恒功率约束,利用比例因子在线自调整的方法对切削参数变化的进给速度进行在线控制.仿真结果表明,方案克服了传统的模糊控制动态响应较慢的鲁棒性较差的缺点,具有响应速度快、实时性和稳定性好等优点.当切削深度突变时,能在线自适应调整进给速度,使切削功率接近参考值,防止刀具损坏和提高加工效率.     

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.     

An analytical expression for end milling forces and tool deflection using Fourier series

In this research, a novel and generalized analytical expression of cutting force and tool deflection in end milling is presented as a function of tool rotational angle and other cutting parameters. The discontinuous cutting force function caused by periodic tool entry and exit is changed to an integrable continuous function using Fourier series expansion. Tool deflection is also formulated explicitly by the direct integration of the distributed loads along the helical cutting edges. Cutting conditions, tool geometry, runout components, and the stiffness of tool clamping part are considered in estimating the cutting force and tool deflection. Cumbersome computational procedures needed to check whether segmented cutting edges are engaged in cutting or not are eliminated by this proposed method. The presented analytical approach has advantages in flexibility, prediction time, and accuracy as compared with other numerical techniques. In addition, the effects of cutting conditions and run-outs, such as eccentricity and tilting on the cutting force and tool deflection, can be analyzed quantitatively in the time domain or frequency domain. The validity and effectiveness of the suggested method are verified through a series of cutting tests. The model presented in this research can be used in real-time machining error estimation and cutting condition selection for error minimization since the form accuracy is easily estimated from the acquired tool deflection curve.     

Feedrate optimization for variant milling process based on cutting force prediction

Machining process modeling, simulation and optimization is one of the kernel technologies for virtual manufacturing (VM). Optimization based on physical simulation (in contrast to geometrical simulation) will bring better control of a machining process, especially to a variant cutting process – a cutting process so complex that cutting parameters, such as cutting depth and width, change with cutter positions. In this paper, feedrate optimization based on cutting force prediction for milling process is studied. It is assumed that cutting path segments are divided into micro-segments according to a given computing step. Heuristic methods are developed for feedrate optimization. Various practical constraints of a milling system are considered. Feedrates at several segments or micro-segments are determined together but not individually to make milling force satisfy constraints and approach an optimization objective. After optimization, an optimized cutting location data file is outputted. Some computation examples are given to show the optimization effectiveness. This revised version was published online in October 2004 with a correction to the issue number.     

Variable feed rates and variable machine forces for a constant material removal rate and constant cutting force along Pythagorean-hodograph curves

This paper proposes a new machining strategy to realize better dimensional accuracy as well as surface finish. The strategy attempts to keep cutting force and the material removal rate approximately constant and force the tool to move along a so-called Pythagorean-hodograph curve, which is a group of analytic curves with special properties, in a milling operation. In conventional milling operations, a constant feed rate is frequently used. This would invariably lead to higher material removal rates in concave regions and lower material removal rates in convex regions, and affects dimensional accuracy. This work aims to establish the theoretical basis to show how the above-mentioned phenomenon can be predicted. Additionally, chattering is a well-known problem in machining. In this work, it is postulated that keeping certain machining conditions approximately constant would help in reducing chattering during machining. A numerical example is given to illustrate the proposed machining strategy.     

基于铣削力精确建模的工件表面让刀误差预测分析

航空航天制造业结构件的高速铣削加工中,在切削力作用下由整体铣削刀具挠度变形所引起的工件表面让刀误差,严重制约零件的加工精度和效率。针对这一问题,通过建立铣削力精确预测模型,结合刀具刚度特点,对工件让刀误差进行预测分析。将切削速度和刀具前角对切削力的影响规律引入二维直角单位切削力预测模型,并通过试验进行相关系数标定。借助等效前角将直角切削力预测系数应用到斜角切削力的预测,通过矢量叠加构建整体刀具三维切削力模型。分析刀具挠度变形对铣削层厚度及铣削接触中心角范围影响规律。基于离散化的刀具模型和切削力模型,建立铣削载荷条件下刀具等效直径悬臂梁模型弯曲变形计算方法。构建以刀具变形对铣削过程影响作用规律为反馈的刚性工件表面让刀误差及切削力柔性预测模型,通过整体铣刀铣削试验验证所建立理论模型的预测精度。     

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.     

基于主轴电流的铣削力间接监测方法

实时准确地监测铣削状态对于提高加工质量与加工效率具有重要意义,切削力作为重要的加工状态监测对象,因其监测设备昂贵且安装不便而受到限制,为此提出一种考虑刀具磨损的基于主轴电流的铣削力监测方法.首先基于切削微元理论建立了考虑后刀面磨损的铣削力模型,并通过铣削实验进行铣削力模型系数标定;然后对主轴电流与铣削力的关系进行理论建...     

虚拟制造中基于刀具变形的复杂曲面加工误差预报

复杂曲面加工过程中刀具的弹性变形是产生曲面加工误差的重要原始误差。着重研究了虚拟制造环境下基于球面铣刀弹性变形的曲面加工误差预报模型。研究并建立了球面铣刀加工复杂曲面的切削力模型和刀具弹性变形模型,在此基础上,分析了曲面生成机理,提出了利用曲面变形敏感系数建立刀具弹性变形对法向加工误差的影响关系。利用该模型可以在实际切削加工前对曲面加工误差进行预报,用以进行误差补偿或切削参数优化。最后,以二维半圆形拉伸曲面为例通过切削实验对本文提出的模型进行了验证。