Abstract
An algorithm for three-axis NC tool path generation on sculptured surfaces is presented. Non-constant parameter tool contact curves are defined on the part by intersecting parallel planes with the part model surface. Four essential elements of this algorithm are introduced: initial chordal approximation, true machining error calculation, direct gouge elimination, and non-constant parameter tool pass interval adjustment. A software implementation of this algorithm produces graphical output depicting the tool path superimposed over the part surface, and it outputs cutter location (CL) data for further post-processing. Several applications examples are presented to demonstrate the capabilities of the algorithm. The results of this technique are compared to those generated from a commercially available computer-aided manufacturing program, and indicate that equivalent accuracy is obtained with many fewer CL points.
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Abbreviations
- C :
-
cutting curve
- C 1 :
-
cutting curve tangent
- CC 0,CC 1, ...:
-
cutter contact points
- d :
-
chordal deviation
- /_ABC :
-
triangle
- Δw :
-
incremental step in parameterw
- 〈ABC :
-
angle
- ε:
-
a small quantity
- l :
-
chord length
- n s ,n p , ...:
-
normal vectors
- P, P r ,P c ,P 1 ,P 2 , ...:
-
space point
- Q :
-
parametric equation of a surface
- R :
-
radius of a ball-end milling tool
- TC 0,TC 1, ...:
-
tool center points
- u, v, u s ,u c ,w, t :
-
parameters
- ϕ:
-
angle
- ρ:
-
curvature
- h :
-
cusp height
- T :
-
machining tolerance
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Huang, Y., Oliver, J.H. Non-constant parameter NC tool path generation on sculptured surfaces. Int J Adv Manuf Technol 9, 281–290 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01781282
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01781282