Rough Cut Tool Path Planning in Fewer-axis CNC Machinig

저축 CNC 환경에서의 황삭가공

This paper presents rough cut tool path planning for the fewer-axis machine consisting of a three-axis CNC machine and a rotary indexing table. In the problem dealt with in this paper, the tool orientation is "intermediately" changed, distinguished from the conventional problem where the tool orientation is assumed to be fixed. The developed rough cut path planning algorithm tries to minimize the number of tool orientation (setup) changes together with tool changes and the machining time for the rough cut by the four procedures: a) decomposition of the machining area based on the possibility of tool interference (via convex hull operation), b) determination of the optimal tool size and orientation (via network graph theory and branch-and bound algorithm), c) generation of tool path for the tool and orientation (based on zig-zag pattern), and d) feedrate adjustment to maintain the cutting force at an operation level (based on average cutting force). The developed algorithms are validated via computer simulations, and can be also used in pure fiveaxis machining environment without modification.