• International Journal of CAD/CAM
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2005

A new approach based on vector field clustering for tool path optimization of 5-axis CNC machining is presented in this paper. The strategy of the approach is to produce an efficient tool path with respect to the optimal cutting direction vector field. The optimal cutting direction maximizes the machining strip width. We use the normalized cut clustering technique to partition the vector field into clusters. The spiral and the zigzag patterns are then applied to generate tool path on the clusters. The iso-scallop method is used for calculating the tool path. Finally, our numerical examples and real cutting experiment show that the tool path generated by the proposed method is more efficient than the tool path generated by the traditional iso-parametric method.

• International Journal of CAD/CAM
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.183-192
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• 2006

A CAD/CAM system has been developed for rapid prototyping (RP) of microfluidic devices based on excimer laser micromachining. The system comprises of two complementary softwares. One, the CAM tool, creates part programs from CAD models. The other, the Simulator Tool, uses a part program to generate the laser tool path and the 2D and 3D graphical representation of the machined microstructure. The CAM tool's algorithms use the 3D geometry of a microstructure, defined as an STL file exported from a CAD system, and process parameters (laser fluence, pulse repetition frequency, number of shots per area, wall angle), to automatically generate Numerical Control (NC) part programs for the machine controller. The performance of the system has been verified and demonstrated by machining a particle transportation device. The CAM tool simplifies part programming and replaces the tedious trial-and-error approach to creating programs. The simulator tool accepts manual or computer generated part programs, and displays the tool path and the machined structure. This enables error checking and editing of the program before machining, and development of programs for complex microstructures. Combined, the tools provide a user-friendly CAD/CAM system environment for rapid prototyping of microfluidic devices.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering
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• v.19 no.11
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• pp.96-102
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• 2002

This study is on the estimation method of toot temperature for different tool nose radius and cutting conditions in turning. Experimental analysis has been performed in different cutting conditions such as cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut for the tool nose radius, 0.4R, 0.8R using SMC workpiece materials. Tool temperature is measured using a thermo-couple which is embedded in the insert tip. Using multiple linear regression method, the tool temperature can be determined as an exponential equation with cutting variables and tool nose diameters for the different tool materials. The equations determined in this study show a good correlation for the cutting conditions and can be used for a tool temperature estimation technique. The result indicates that the tool temperature decreases for increasing the tool nose radius in general. Also, nose radius hardly influences on the tool temperature compared with cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut. This method will be useful for the estimation of tool life and temperature using limited experimental data for given cutting conditions.

• Journal of Korean Institute of Industrial Engineers
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.69-88
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• 2001

In the zigzag milling operation, an important issue is to design a machining strategy which minimizes the cutting time. An important variable for minimization of cutting time is the tool path length. The tool path is divided into cutting path and non-cutting path. Cutting path can be subdivided into tool path segment and step-over, and non-cutting path can be regarded as the tool retraction. We propose a new method to determine the cutting direction which minimizes the length of tool path in a convex or concave polygonal shape including islands. For the minimization of tool path length, we consider two factors such as step-over and tool retraction. Step-over is defined as the tool path length which is parallel to the boundary edges for machining area and the tool retraction is a non-cutting path for machining any remaining regions. In the determination of cutting direction, we propose a mathematical model and an algorithm which minimizes tool retraction length in complex shapes. With the proposed methods, we can generate a tool path for the minimization of cutting time in a convex or concave polygonal shapes including islands.

• Korean Journal of Computational Design and Engineering
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.354-361
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• 2010

The paper presents an efficient computation of optimal tool length for 5-axis mold & die machining. The implemented procedure processes an NC file as an initial input, where the NC data is generated by another commercial CAM system. A commercial CAM system generates 5-axis machining NC data which, in its own way, is optimal based on pre-defined machining condition such as tool-path pattern, tool-axis control via inclination angles, etc. The proper tool-length should also be provided. The tool-length should be as small as possible in order to enhance machinability as well as surface finish. A feasible tool-length at each NC block can be obtained by checking interference between workpiece and tool components, usually when the tool-axis is not modified at this stage for most CAM systems. Then the minimum feasible tool-length for an NC file consisting of N blocks is the maximum of N tool-length values. However, it can be noted that slight modification of tool-axis at each block may reduce the minimum feasible tool-length in mold & die machining. This approach can effectively be applied in machining feature regions such as steep wall or deep cavity. It has been implemented and is used at a molding die manufacturing company in Korea.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering
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• v.30 no.9
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• pp.961-968
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• 2013

In this paper, we propose an optimal design for starfish capturing manipulator module with four-bar linkage mechanism. A tool link with compliance is attached on the four-bar linkage, and the tool repeats detaching starfish from the ground and putting it into the storage box. Since the tool is not rigid and the manipulator is operating underwater, the trajectory of the tool tip is determined by its dynamics as well as kinematics. We analyzed the trajectory of the manipulator tool tip by quasi-static analysis considering both kinematics and dynamics. In optimization, the lengths of each link and the tool stiffness are considered as control variables. To maximize the capturing ability, capturing stroke of the four-bar manipulator trajectory is maximized. Reaction force and reaction moment, and other kinematic constraints were considered as inequality constraints.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.133-138
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• 2002

The technique of high speed machining is widely studied in machining fields, because the high efficiency and accuracy in machining can be obtained in high speed machining. Unfortunately the development of tool fur high speed machining in not close behind that of machine tool. In this study, 10 types flat endmill is prepared for obtaining data according to tool shape. Especially, we concentrated in helix angle, number of cutting edge and rake angle. Cutting condition is selected for several experiments and measuring cutting farce, tool life, tool wear and chip shape according to cutting length. 3-axis cutting farces are acquired from the tool dynamometer with high natural frequency, as the conventional tool dynamometer (9257B, Kistler) has cannot measure the state of high frequency force. Particularly, we found out that the axial cutting force waveform has a good relation with tool wear features. And flow is interrupted at the beginning of cutting by the decrease of rake angle. By above results. it is suggested the endmill tool with 45$^{\circ}$helix angle, 6 cutting edge and -15$^{\circ}$rake angle is suitable for high speed machining.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Manufacturing Technology Engineers
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.445-451
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• 2016

The Inconel 718 alloy is a well-known super-heat-resistant alloy and a difficult-to-cut material. Inconel 718 with excellent corrosion and heat resistance is used in harsh environments. However, the heat generated is not released owing to excellent physical properties, making processes (e.g., adhesion and thermal fatigue) difficult. Tool condition monitoring in machining is significant in reducing manufacturing costs. The cutting tool is easily broken and worn because of the material properties of Inconel 718. Therefore, tool management is required to improve tool life and machinability. This study proposes a method of predicting the tool wear with non-contacting sensors (e.g., IR thermometer for measuring the cutting temperature and a microphone for measuring the sound pressure level in machining). The cutting temperature and sound pressure fluctuation according to the tool condition and cutting force are analyzed using experimental data. This experiment verifies the effectiveness of the non-contact measurement signals in tool condition monitoring.

• International Journal of Precision Engineering and Manufacturing
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.38-43
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• 2007

This paper describes ultrasonically assisted grinding used to obtain a glossy surface quickly and precisely. High-quality surfaces are required for plastic injection molding dies used in the production of plastic parts such as dials for cellular phones. Traditionally, in order to finish the dies, manual polishing by a skilled worker has been required after the machining processes, such as electro discharge machining (EDM), which leaves an affected layer, and milling, which leaves tooling marks. However, manual polishing causes detrimental geometrical deviations of the die and consumes several days to finish a die surface. Therefore, a machining process for finishing dies without manual polishing to improve the surface roughness and form accuracy would be extremely valuable. In this study, a 3D positioning machine equipped with an ultrasonic spindle was used to conduct grinding experiments. An electroplated diamond tool was used for these experiments. Generally, diamond tools cannot grind steel because of excessive wear as a result of carbon atoms diffusing into bulk steel and chips. However, ultrasonically assisted grinding can achieve a fine surface (roughness Rz of $0.4{\mu}m$) on die steel without severe tool wear. The final aim of this study is to realize mirror surface grinding for injection molding dies without manual polishing. To do this, it is necessary to fabricate an electroplated diamond tool with high form accuracy and low run-out. This paper describes a tool-making method for high precision grinding and the grinding performance of a self-electroplated tool. The ground surface textures, tool performance and tool life were investigated A ground surface roughness Rz of 0.14 um was achieved Our results show that the spindle speed, feed rate and cross feed affected the surface texture. One tool could finish $5000mm^2$ of die steel surface without any deterioration of the ground surface roughness.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Precision Engineering Conference
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• 2005.06a
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• pp.426-429
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• 2005

In this study, the formed tool is used to machine of bearing raceway and a shape compensation scheme is proposed to compensate for shape of it in turning process. It is introduced the conventional design method of the formed tool; a simple depth compensation method and a drawing compensation method. And it is performed to investigate in detail properties of the formed tool about a tool angle and problems of a turning process of bearing raceway using the formed tool. The applicability of the proposed scheme is examined by comparing the experimental results obtained by a new designed formed tool with those obtained by a conventional tool.