Tool path generation for 5-axis flank milling of ruled surfaces with optimal cutter locations considering multiple geometric constraints

Ruled surfaces found in engineering parts are often blended with a constraint surface,like the blade surface and hub surface of a centrifugal impeller.It is significant to accurately machine these ruled surfaces in flank milling with interference-free and fairing tool path,while current models in fulfilling these goals are complex and rare.In this paper,a tool path planning method with optimal cutter locations(CLs)is proposed for 5-axis flank milling of ruled surfaces under multiple geometric constraints.To be specific,a concise three-point contact tool positioning model is firstly developed for a cylindrical cutter.Different tool orientations arise when varying the three contact positions and a tool orientation pool with acceptable cutter-surface deviation is constructed using a meta-heuristic algorithm.Fairing angular curves are derived from candidates in this pool,and then curve registration for cutter tip point on each determined tool axis is performed in respect of interference avoidance and geometric smoothness.On this basis,an adaptive interval determination model is developed for deviation control of interpolated cutter locations.This model is designed to be independent of the CL optimization process so that multiple CLs can be planned simultaneously with parallel computing technique.Finally,tests are performed on representative surfaces and the results show the method has advantages over previous meta-heuristic tool path planning approaches in both machining accuracy and computation time,and receives the best comprehensive performance compared to other multi-constrained methods when machining an impeller.

Elliptical model for surface topography prediction in five-axis flank milling

In five-axis flank milling operations,the intersecting surfaces of different cutting edges create roughness on the milled surfaces that cannot be ignored in situations with strict requirements,especially in aeronautical manufacturing.To focus on motion problems in milling operations,this paper presents a new model that utilizes elliptical paths as cutting edge trajectories on 3D surface topography machined by peripheral milling.First,the cutter parallel axis offset and location angle are considered,which change the location of the ellipse center and intersection point of the cutting edges.Then,through the proposed model,the predicted surface topography is obtained,and the factors that affect the development tendency of roughness are analyzed.Next,the effects of the cutter location position(CLP)geometric parameters,cutter parallel axis offset and curvature on the roughness are evaluated by a numerical simulation.Finally,machining tests are carried out to validate the model predictions,and the results show that the surface topography predictions correspond well with the experimental results.