A five-axis rough machining approach for a centrifugal impeller

A clear trend shows that most products or mechanical components, especially those regarding aerospace applications, are designed to fit the requirements of free form surface features. When a 3-axis computer numerical controlled (CNC) machining centre is used to produce a typical centrifugal impeller, great difficulties, i.e., collisions between the cutting tool and impeller, need to be overcome. In this case, sophisticated five-axis machines have to be utilised. Presently, most commercial computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) systems for five-axis control are lacking generality, and functions for the rough tool-path generation are far less than required. The rough machining is recognised as the most important procedure influencing the machining efficiency and is critical for the success of the following finishing process. However, great difficulties are expected to arise in performing five-axis rough machining. The main objective of the present study is to overcome this problem by combining related machining technology. As a result, CL data based on the geometry model of blade and hub of the impeller are generated. Finally, the CL data is confirmed through software simulation. The results of verification prove the machining methodology and procedure to be successful.