自由曲面数控加工刀具轨迹映射算法

对自由曲面的数控加工,寻求最优的刀具轨迹生成方法至关重要。本文基于开源3D库Open CASCADE(OCC)和编程开发环境Microsoft Visual Studio 2010(VS2010),应用B样条表达的自由曲面,采用“投影法”思想,研究“重用已有相似刀具路径”方法,提出了处理自由曲面的NC刀具轨迹映射算法。为了验证算法的有效性和可行性,实验建立5类自由曲面,启动设计的轨迹映射算法,输出曲面的NC加工轨迹质量可以满足设计要求,实现了刀具轨迹的重用。     

自由曲面数控加工路径规划的研究

论述了自由曲面数控加工路径规划对加工效率的影响,讨论了目前刀具轨迹算法的优缺点。针对自由曲面走刀方向数控加工的研究,建立了简化的刀具轨迹时间模型,并对路径规划的系统进行了讨论。     

Five-axis tool path generation for 3D curves created by projection on B-spline surfaces

This paper presents a new tool-path-generating methodology for five-axis machining of 3D curves that are projected from 2D planes onto free-form part surfaces. In our approach, the scanning for mapping is planned directly on parameter domain. The DXF pattern was scaled to parametric dimension and transferred to parametric domain, and thus, all entity coordinates were transferred from X,Y to (u,v). By using a B-spline surface equation algorithm, the projected curves were obtained on a free-form surface for tool path generation. 2D pattern models were delineated with the DXF format; 3D free-form surfaces were delineated with the STEP-AP214 format and the “B_Spline_surface_with_knots” entity was used to define the free-form B-spline surface geometry. Windows® based software written in Borland® Delphi has been developed according to the presented algorithm. Cutter contact (CC) data and surface normals for CC points were obtained with this software. The obtained CC data and surface normal data were transferred to cutter location (CL) data and the tool path verification is obtained by simulation successfully.     

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。     

空间自由曲面五轴联动数控加工

介绍了五轴数控机床的运动方式,阐述了空间自由曲面五轴联动数控加工中刀具路径规划的基本方法:参数线法、CC路径截面线法、CL路径截面线法、导动面法等。之后对五轴加工中刀具轴向规划进行了论述:垂直于表面方式、平行于表面方式、倾斜于表面方式。最后归纳总结了刀具干涉的检测与处理的方法,并分别说明了其优缺点和适应范围。     

The implementation of adaptive isoplanar tool path generation for the machining of free-form surfaces

Machining of steep regions is an important research topic in the machining of free-form surfaces. A new tool path generation algorithm to adaptively machine free-form surfaces has been recently developed. However, similarly to many newly emerged methods, so far it has not been used in industry because no commercial platform is currently available and the user-developed system is not robust enough for industrial applications. To solve this problem, this paper presents a new implementation method by integrating it in a commercial CAD/CAM system (Pro/Engineer). With this strategy, other than conducts detailed computations for parameters, such as scallop heights and forward steps, or designing the non-cutting functions such as engaging and retracting methods, which are routines in every tool path generation process, the implementation utilizes existing tool path generation templates in Pro/E to generate the required tool paths. This makes the tool path generation process easier and the tool paths generated more practicable because the integration is relieved of the time-consuming routine calculation and the entire cutting and non-cutting functions in the commercial system are transparent to users. Based on the API of Pro/E, the new tool path generation method was successfully implemented and cutting tests were conducted. Not losing generality, the implementation could also be conducted in other commercial systems as similar templates are available in these systems as well.     

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.     

A study on the five-axis end milling for sculptured surfaces

The direction vector of milling cutter for CL-data of five-axis milling is obtained by the fact that the bottom part of the milling cutter rides on free-form surfaces using the z-map method. Since the direction vector is known, CL-data can be transformed to the NC-code with regard to the geometry of the five-axis machine and post-processing. For uniform surfaces, the tool path is created from the prediction of cusp heights. After generating the NC-code, a sculptured surface was machined by five-axis end milling and cusp heights on the machined surface were measured by a three-dimensional CMM with laser scanner. From this machining test, it was found that this machining method is effective.     

五轴联动数控加工的刀具路径优化方法研究

为解决五轴联动加工复杂曲面过程中的刀具路径不连续问题,提出了五轴数控的刀具路径优化方法。通过五轴NC代码的坐标变换还原有效切削路径,对切削路径进行误差约束下的非均匀有理B样条(NURBS)曲线拟合。对旋转轴路径采用五次样条曲线进行插值,建立切削路径和旋转轴路径的参数映射关系,通过机床逆运动变换求解C2连续的平动轴路径。实验表明,经过该方法优化后,切削路径和各驱动轴运动路径具有良好的平滑性,显著提高了五轴加工曲面精度和表面质量。     

Five-axis tool path and feed rate optimization based on the cutting force–area quotient potential field

Feed rate assignment in five-axis surface machining is constrained by many factors, among which a particularly critical one is the deflection cutting force on the tool: while a larger feed rate increases the machining productivity by shortening the total machining time, it nevertheless inevitably enlarges the deflection cutting force as well, which will cause the tool to be more prone to bending and the machine more prone to vibration, thus adversely degrading the surface finish quality. In this paper, we present a new five-axis tool path generation algorithm that strives to globally maximize feed rate for an arbitrary free-form surface while respecting a given deflection cutting force threshold. The crux of the algorithm is a new concept of the (cutting) force–area quotient function—at any cutter contact point on the surface, the maximal effective material removal rate (with respect to the deflection cutting force threshold) is a continuous function of the feed direction. This function induces a potential field on the surface and based on which an efficient tool path generation algorithm is designed. Preliminary experiments show that substantial reduction in total machining time can often be achieved by the proposed algorithm.     

适用于自由曲面高速高精加工的旋转轴位置优化算法

针对自由曲面加工中机床旋转轴角度变化过大导致刀具姿态误差较大和旋转轴频繁加减速问题,在分析刀具姿态误差与旋转轴转动幅度间关系的基础上,提出一种适用于自由曲面高速高精加工的旋转轴位置优化算法。在根据旋转轴转动幅度条件确定初始修正区域后,采用递归扩充原则确定待修正区域,并在保证工件坐标系下刀具切触点坐标不变的情况下,采用等幅旋转法则对各待修正区域的旋转轴坐标值进行优化。仿真和实际加工结果表明,本算法能够对加工中旋转轴角度进行修正,避免大幅旋转轴转动,减少加工中的刀具姿态误差,在提高加工精度的同时缩短了加工时间。     

A new accurate curvature matching and optimal tool based five-axis machining algorithm

Free-form surfaces are widely used in CAD systems to describe the part surface. Today, the most advanced machining of free from surfaces is done in five-axis machining using a flat end mill cutter. However, five-axis machining requires complex algorithms for gouging avoidance, collision detection and powerful computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) systems to support various operations. An accurate and efficient method is proposed for five-axis CNC machining of free-form surfaces. The proposed algorithm selects the best tool and plans the toolpath autonomously using curvature matching and integrated inverse kinematics of the machine tool. The new algorithm uses the real cutter contact toolpath generated by the inverse kinematics and not the linearized piecewise real cutter location toolpath.     

基于临界约束的四轴数控加工刀轴优化方法

针对自由曲面四轴加工中复杂刀具运动导致的干涉和刀具运动不连续等现象,提出一种基于临界约束的刀轴优化方法。基于刀具与工件约束曲面之间的相对位置关系,利用曲线上的点搜索算法确定切触点处的临界刀轴矢量,并计算当前切触点刀轴摆动的可行域;以切削行内所有切触点的刀轴可行域为基础,建立当前切削行内无干涉且相邻刀轴变化最小的刀轴矢量优化模型,实现了自由曲面四轴加工无干涉刀轴矢量的光顺控制。整体叶盘四轴加工试验表明,利用此方法获得的刀轴矢量可以显著改善机床运动的连续性,并避免刀具干涉的产生,提高了加工质量。     

Using rotary contact method for 5-axis convex sculptured surfaces machining

The 5-axis tool positioning strategy named rotary contact method (RCM) for sculptured surfaces machining has been developed in our previous paper (Wengang Fan et al., J Manuf Sci E-T ASME 134(2):021004.1-021004.6, 2012). The RCM finds the optimal tool positions by rotating the tool backward based on the offset surface instead of the design surface, and can generate big machined strip width without gouging. However, the RCM only deals with concave sculptured surfaces machining well at present, and the special property of convex sculptured surfaces machining has not been fully exploited. To resolve this problem, the general convex sculptured surfaces machining using the RCM is implemented in this paper. Firstly, the tool position error distribution for different tool feed directions is deeply investigated. It is concluded that the best tool feed direction is collinear with the maximum direction of curvature, which is completely opposite to the case for concave sculptured surfaces machining. Then the relationship between the key parameters in the RCM and the tool position error distribution as well as the tool path generation is totally discussed. Finally, machining simulation and cutting experiment of a convex sculptured surface example are performed. The results show that the RCM can apparently raise the efficiency of manufacturing process by contrast with the algorithm in the software UG for convex sculptured surfaces machining.     

自由曲面数控加工动态仿真研究

在VC++6.0平台上采用OpenGL技术开发一种自由曲面数控加工过程仿真系统。该系统可根据自由曲面的不同造型,规划出适当的刀位轨迹,生成G代码;实现交互控制,完成设计曲面的成型加工,并动态显示加工路径。     

Optimal five-axis tool path generation algorithm based on double scalar fields for freeform surfaces

In order to generate efficient tool path with given precision requirements, scallop height should be kept under a given limit, while the tool path should be as short as possible to reduce machining time. Traditional methods generate CC curves one by one, which makes the final tool path far from being globally optimal. This paper presents an optimal tool path generation model for a ball-end tool which strives to globally optimize a tool path with various objectives and constraints. Two scalar functions are constructed over the part surface to represent the path intervals and the feedrate (with directions). Using the finite element method (FEM), the tool path length minimization model and the machining time minimization model are solved numerically. The proposed method is also suitable for tool path generation on mesh surfaces. Simulation results show that the generated tool path can be direction parallel or contour parallel with different boundary conditions. Compared to most of the conventional tool path generation methods, the proposed method is able to generate more effective tool paths due to the global optimization strategy.     

基于定向距离理论的五轴加工刀具轨迹规划算法

针对环形刀五轴加工自由曲面的残留误差问题,在传统等残留高度算法的基础上,提出了一种基于定向距离理论的等最大残留高度刀具轨迹规划算法。首先根据微分几何理论计算已知刀触点的初始侧向行距,并在侧向行距方向进行偏置得到相邻刀触点;然后以基于定向距离理论的残高误差计算模型对相邻刀触点间的实际残高值进行计算;最后通过迭代计算规划出等最大残留高度的相邻刀具轨迹。如此循环,从而获得整个曲面的刀具轨迹。实验结果表明,相对于商用软件MasterCAM9.0,该算法在充分保证曲面加工质量的同时最大限度地减小了刀具轨迹的总长度,从而提高了加工效率。     

NC Machining of Freeform Pockets with Arbitrary Wall Geometry Using a Grid-Based Navigation Approach

A tool path must be determined in an efficient manner to generate NC (numerical control) code for machining. This is particularly important when machining freeform pockets with arbitrary wall geometry on a three-axis CNC machine. In this paper, a grid-based 3D navigation algorithm for generating NC tool-path data for both linear interpolation and a combination of linear and circular interpolation is presented for three-axis CNC milling of general pockets with sculptured bottom surfaces. The pocket surface is discretised by defining a grid and the navigation algorithm plans the tool motion. The grid size and the cutter diameter are chosen so that a predefined tolerance for surface roughness is satisfied. The grid-based navigation algorithm is simulated graphically and verified experimentally.     

环形刀宽行加工圆弧过渡区域算法的研究

基于广域曲率吻合原则,研究了利用环形刀侧铣加工组合曲面圆弧过渡区域的新方法。首先建立环形刀的几何模型,通过调整刀具姿态角,使刀具表面和工件表面在不发生干涉的条件下实现密切接触。通过迭代判断使下行刀轨的驱动线和当前刀轨在精度范围内搭接,实现刀轨的合理编排。最后,以某航空发动机叶片为例计算了刀轨。结果表明,该算法能够精确地加工出圆弧过渡曲面,刀轨之间的没有明显的残高,加工效率较球头刀提高了5倍。     

自由曲面五轴变步长数控加工刀轨生成方法

为了在满足逼近误差要求的同时最大程度减少冗余刀轨,对自由曲面提出了一种五轴变步长数控加工刀轨生成方法.首先对刀触点轨迹基于线性误差计算出初始刀触点点集,再以局部干涉调整前倾角的方式计算出无干涉刀位点和刀轴矢量;以最大非线性误差刀位处到刀触点轨迹的最小值作为相邻刀位点之间的逼近误差,并基于数据点自适应离散法计算逼近误差;...