Abstract
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.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Choi BK (2003) Editorial part 1. Comput Aided Des 35(2):125–126
Altan T, Lilly BW, Kruth JP, Konig W, Toenshoff HK, Van Luttervelt CA, Khairy AB (1993) Advanced techniques for die and mold manufacturing. Ann CIRP 42(2):707–716
Jensen CG, Anderson DC (1992) –Accurate tool placement and orientation for finish surface machining. Concurrent Engineering, ASME PED-59, pp 127–145
Suresh K, Yang DCH (1994) Constant scallop-height machining of free-form surfaces. J Eng Ind 116(2):253–259
Elber G, Cohen E (1994) Tool path generation for freeform surface models. Comput Aided Des 26(6):490–496
Kim KI, Kim K (1995) A new machine strategy for sculptured surface using offset surface. Int J Prod Res 33:1683–1697
Lee YS (1998) Non-isoparametric tool path planning by machining strip evaluation for 5-axis sculptured surface machining. Comput Aided Des 30(7):559–570
Morishige K, Takeuchi Y, Kase K (1999) Tool path generation using C-space for 5-axis control machining. J Manuf Sci Eng 121:144–149
Ding S, Mannan MA, Poo AN, Yang DCH, Han Z (2003) Adaptive iso-planar tool path generation for machining of free-form surfaces. Compu Aided Des 35(2):141–153
Mastercam, version 9.0. Online help files
Unigraphics, version NX. Reference manual
Pro/Engineer, version wildfire. User manual
http://www.vericut.com
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Ding, S., Mannan, M., Poo, A. et al. The implementation of adaptive isoplanar tool path generation for the machining of free-form surfaces. Int J Adv Manuf Technol 26, 852–860 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-004-2058-y
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-004-2058-y