A New Principle of CNC Tool Path Planning for Three-Axis Sculptured Part Machining—A Steepest-Ascending Tool Path

2004 ◽  
Vol 126 (3) ◽  
pp. 515-523 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zezhong C. Chen ◽  
Geoffrey W. Vickers ◽  
Zuomin Dong
Keyword(s):  
Path Planning ◽  
Tool Path ◽  
Tool Path Generation ◽  
Surface Shape ◽  
Sculptured Surface ◽  
Machining Efficiency ◽  
Path Generation ◽  
Tool Path Planning ◽  
Tool Paths ◽  
Sculptured Parts

Three-axis CNC milling is often used to machine sculptured parts. Due to the complex surface shape of these parts, well-planned tool paths can significantly increase the machining efficiency. In this work a new principle of CNC tool path planning for 3-axis sculptured surface machining is proposed. Generic formula to calculate the steepest tangent direction of a sculptured surface is derived, and the algorithm of the steepest-ascending tool path generation is introduced. A single steepest-ascending tool path has been verified to be more efficient than a single tool path of any other type. The relationship between machining efficiency and three key variables, tool feed direction, cutter shape, and surface shape, is revealed. The newly introduced principle is used in planning tool paths of a sculptured surface to demonstrate the advantages of the steepest-ascending tool paths. This new tool path scheme is further integrated into the more advanced steepest-directed and iso-cusped (SDIC) tool path generation technique. Applications of the new tool path principle and the SDIC tool paths to the machining of sculptured parts are demonstrated.

Steepest-Directed Tool Paths of Sculptured Parts: The Most Efficient Local Scheme in 3-Axis CNC Machining and its Mathematical Proof

2001 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zezhong C. Chen ◽  
Zuomin Dong ◽  
Geoffrey W. Vickers
Keyword(s):  
Tool Path ◽  
Mathematical Proof ◽  
Tool Path Generation ◽  
Cnc Machining ◽  
Machining Efficiency ◽  
Path Generation ◽  
Tool Path Planning ◽  
Tool Paths ◽  
Sculptured Parts ◽  
Local Scheme

Abstract Three-axis CNC milling is often used in sculptured parts machining. Due to the complex shape of the part surfaces, optimal tool path planning can significantly improve machining efficiency. In this work the mechanism of 3-axis CNC machining is examined. The generic formulae of steepest direction of sculptured surface are derived. A mathematical proof of the highest machining efficiency of steepest-directed tool path is provided. The most efficient local scheme, steepest-directed tool path in tool path planning, is proposed. This scheme serves as a theoretical base for applying steepest-directed tool path in tool path generation algorithms for 3-axis CNC machining. The tool path has been used to develop the steepest-directed and iso-cusped (SDIC) tool path generation algorithm. An example of SDIC tool paths of a half-cylinder part illustrates the application of steepest-directed tool path.

Efficient NC Tool Path Planning Based on the Subdivision of Sculptured Surface

2014 ◽  
Vol 635-637 ◽  
pp. 497-501
Author(s):  
Li Min ◽  
Biao Bai ◽  
Yu Hou Wu ◽  
De Hong Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Path Planning ◽  
Tool Path ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Parametric Method ◽  
Sculptured Surface ◽  
Machining Efficiency ◽  
Tool Path Planning ◽  
Tool Paths ◽  
Surface Subdivision ◽  
Planning Methods

In this paper, we have presented a method to generate efficient NC tool paths based on the surface subdivision. The main objective is to achieve high efficiency in the machining of sculptured surface. The NC machining efficiency can be improved by segmenting the whole surface into distinct areas according to the characters of sculptured surface and by using different size mills and different tool path planning methods to machine the areas. The iso-parametric method and large mills are used in the curvature changing little areas. While the iso-scallop method and small mills are used in curvatures changing large areas. This can make full use of tool path generation methods and mills, which improve the machining efficiency of sculpture effectively.

A New Tool-Path Generation Algorithm for Sculptured Surface Using Taper-Cutter

2007 ◽  
Vol 10-12 ◽  
pp. 308-311
Author(s):  
Li Cheng Fan ◽  
L.N. Sun ◽  
Zhi Jiang Du
Keyword(s):  
Path Planning ◽  
Tool Path ◽  
Tool Path Generation ◽  
Surface Model ◽  
Sculptured Surface ◽  
Path Generation ◽  
Tool Path Planning ◽  
Generation Algorithm ◽  
Mesh Approximation ◽  
Simulation And Experiment

In 3-axis NC machining, most algorithms of the sculptured surface tool-path generation are valid for ball-cutter, and the axes are designed to realize pure translation. A tool-path generation algorithm using taper-cuter is proposed in this article. And one axis of the 3-axis NC tool machine is designed to realize swing motion. The Stereo Lithography (STL) model is the most popular triangular mesh approximation of the 3D surface model. Considering the special swing mechanical and taper-cutter, arc-zigzag tool-path planning and deform Z-map grid methods are proposed, which incorporate triangular vertexes method and the Z-map method. Finally, some simulation and experiment results are provided.

Integrated Local and Global Tool Path Planning for Feature-Based Machining

2000 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Wang ◽  
Il-Kyu Hwang ◽  
Yong Se Kim
Keyword(s):  
Path Planning ◽  
Tool Path ◽  
Tool Path Generation ◽  
Machining Process ◽  
Path Generation ◽  
Tool Path Planning ◽  
Machining Features ◽  
Tool Paths ◽  
Free Spaces ◽  
Local Tool

Abstract We describe an automatic machining tool path generation method that combines local tool path planning for machining features with global tool path planning. From the solid model and the tolerance specifications of the part, machining features are automatically recognized, and geometry-based precedence relations are obtained between these features. From this information, the machining sequence, tool selections, and machining conditions are determined. Machining tool paths are then generated automatically for each setup, combining local and global tool paths. Local tool paths to machine each feature are generated using successive offsetting operations. Global tool paths between features are generated incrementally by searching the adjacency graph of feature free spaces, which represents the current free space of the part. Feature free spaces are obtained by expanding the machining features through their fictitious faces. The start and end positions for the local tool paths of each feature are selected based on a heuristic method to minimize the cost of each segment of the global tool path. This automatic tool path generation method is currently being developed as part of a comprehensive machining process planning system.

Efficient Method for Tool Path Generation Based on Region Intersection for Complex Mesh Surface Machining

2013 ◽  
Vol 774-776 ◽  
pp. 1438-1441
Author(s):  
Xiao Bing Chen ◽  
Kun Yu
Keyword(s):  
Efficient Method ◽  
Tool Path ◽  
Tool Path Generation ◽  
Machining Efficiency ◽  
Path Generation ◽  
Surface Machining ◽  
Tool Paths ◽  
Mesh Surface ◽  
Fitting Method ◽  
Local Fitting

The machining efficiency of conventional section plane method is low for complex mesh surface machining. An efficient method for tool path generation based on region intersection is proposed. The mesh surface is first divided into a series of intersection regions, then vertex curvatures in perpendicular directions of tool paths are estimated by local fitting method, and variable tool path intervals are computed according to the curvatures, scallop height and cutter radius, finally redundant cutter location points are removed according to machining precision. Experiment results indicate that tool paths generated by proposed method are avail to promote machining efficiency of complex mesh surface machining.

A Swept Ellipse Offsetting Approach for Three-Axis Sculptured Surface Tool Path Generation

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Jang ◽  
James A. Stori
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Tool Path ◽  
Contact Point ◽  
Tool Path Generation ◽  
Sculptured Surface ◽  
Path Generation ◽  
Surface Machining ◽  
Tool Paths ◽  
Sculptured Surface Machining ◽  
Processing Techniques

This paper presents a new offsetting approach for tool path generation in three-axis sculptured surface machining. The approach generates tool paths with scallop, curvature, and force characteristics which make them suitable for high speed machining. An ellipse in the parametric space is used to approximate the intersection between the ball-end mill and the scallop surface for any cutter contact point on the surface. The envelope formed by these swept ellipses of varying dimension and orientation creates a constant scallop curve which is used to generate offset paths. The offset is developed incrementally, utilizing post-processing techniques to eliminate high-curvature regions in the trajectory. The offsetting approach can generate continuous spiraling trajectories which offer the benefit of minimal tool retractions. Results are shown for spiraling paths generated from both convex and non-convex boundaries.

An Automated and Optimal Tool Path Planning System for the 3-1/2-1/2-Axis CNC Maching of Sculptured Parts

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zezhong C. Chen ◽  
Zuomin Dong ◽  
Geoffrey W. Vickers
Keyword(s):  
Path Planning ◽  
Tool Path ◽  
Cnc Machining ◽  
Planning System ◽  
Surface Patch ◽  
Free Form ◽  
Tool Path Planning ◽  
Tool Paths ◽  
Sculptured Parts ◽  
Machining Scheme

Some sculptured parts with complex free-form surfaces usually require expensive 5-axis CNC machining. In this work, a cost-effective and practical solution to the 5-axis sculptured part machining – 3-1/2-1/2-axis CNC machining scheme – is discussed. An automatic and optimal tool path planning system for 3-1/2-1/2-axis CNC machining is introduced. The system uses fuzzy pattern recognition method and Voronoi diagram to subdivide a complex sculptured surface into an optimal number of uniform surface patches, finds the optimal cutter/part orientation for each surface patch, and plans 3-axis CNC tool paths for them. This type of machining is carried out by rotating the part to the cutter/part orientations discretely and sequentially using a tilt-rotary table attached to the 3-axis CNC machine. Under each orientation, the corresponding surface patch is machined using the 3-axis CNC tool paths. This tool path planning system can automatically generate efficient tool paths for sculptured parts and make the 3-1/2-1/2-axis CNC machining scheme as an applicable alternative of 5-axis CNC machining method.

Tool Path Generation for Machining Point Cloud Data by Least Squared Projection

2014 ◽  
Vol 635-637 ◽  
pp. 555-559
Author(s):  
Jin Ting Xu ◽  
Lei Zhang ◽  
Yu Jin Wang
Keyword(s):  
Point Cloud ◽  
Tool Path ◽  
Sample Surface ◽  
Tool Path Generation ◽  
Path Generation ◽  
Point Cloud Data ◽  
Tool Path Planning ◽  
Base Surface ◽  
Cloud Data ◽  
Tool Paths

Point cloud has been used as representation model for tool path planning. However, for point cloud machining, there are few tool path generation strategies but iso-planar method. In this paper, a method of generating tool paths from point cloud for three-axis machining is presented. A simple base surface, such as plane or cylindrical surface, etc., is first created according to the shape of the point cloud. On this base surface, the guide curves of tool path are rapidly designed, and then are projected onto the point cloud surface to generate the final tool path by using the least squared projection method. Finally, this method is tested on a sample surface to demonstrate its validity.

Study of The Tool Path Generation Method of an Ultra-Precision Spherical Complex Surface Based on a Five-Axis Machine Tool

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tianji Xing ◽  
Xuesen Zhao ◽  
Zhipeng Cui ◽  
Rongkai Tan ◽  
Tao Sun
Keyword(s):  
Surface Roughness ◽  
Tool Path ◽  
Spherical Surface ◽  
Tool Path Generation ◽  
Path Generation ◽  
Tool Paths ◽  
Spherical Surfaces ◽  
Spherical Complex ◽  
Ultra Precision ◽  
Five Axis

Abstract The improvement of ultra-precision machining technology has significantly boosted the demand for the surface quality and surface accuracy of the workpieces to be machined. However, the geometric shapes of workpiece surfaces cannot be adequately manufactured with simple plane, cylindrical, or spherical surfaces because of their different applications in various fields. In this research, a method was proposed to generate tool paths for the machining of complex spherical surfaces based on an ultra-precise five-axis turning and milling machine with a C-Y-Z-X-B structure. Through the proposed tool path generation method, ultra-precise complex spherical surface machining was achieved. First, the complex spherical surface model was modeled and calculated, and then it was combined with the designed model to generate the tool path. Then the tool paths were generated with a numerically controlled (NC) program. Based on an ultra-precision three-coordinate measuring instrument and a white light interferometer, the machining accuracy of a workpiece surface was characterized, and t[1]he effectiveness of the provided tool path generation method was verified. The surface roughness of the machined workpiece was less than 90 nm. Furthermore, the surface roughness within the spherical region appeared to be less than 30 nm. The presented tool path generation method in this research produced ultra-precision spherical complex surfaces. The method could be applied to complex spherical surfaces with other characteristics.

Use of a virtual milling system to generate power-aware tool paths for 2.5-dimensional pocket machining

2019 ◽  
Vol 233 (13) ◽  
pp. 2419-2435 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Manuel Ochoa González ◽  
Joao Carlos Espindola Ferreira
Keyword(s):  
Power Consumption ◽  
Tool Path ◽  
Tool Path Generation ◽  
Path Generation ◽  
Machining Time ◽  
Power Requirement ◽  
Pocket Machining ◽  
Direction Parallel ◽  
Generation Algorithm ◽  
Tool Paths

Traditional (direction-parallel and contour-parallel) and non-traditional (trochoidal) tool paths are generated by specialized geometric algorithms based on the pocket shape and various parameters. However, the tool paths generated with those methods do not usually consider the required machining power. In this work, a method for generating power-aware tool paths is presented, which uses the power consumption estimation for the calculation of the tool path. A virtual milling system was developed to integrate with the tool path generation algorithm in order to obtain tool paths with precise power requirement control. The virtual milling system and the tests used to calibrate it are described within this article, as well as the proposed tool path generation algorithm. Results from machining a test pocket are presented, including the real and the estimated power requirements. Those results were compared with a contour-parallel tool path strategy, which has a shorter machining time but has higher in-process power consumption.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document