Tool Path Optimization for Five-Axis Machining

Main Article Content

Mud-Armeen Munlin

Abstract

- This paper presents four algorithms to optimize a tool path of a five-axis milling machine. Algorithm 1 is based on the inverse kinematics of the machine and performing continuous rotation of the rotary table. Algorithm 2 further extends the inverse kinematics and performs optimal sequencing with regard to a set of feasible rotations by using the shortest path algorithm. Algorithm 3 employs uniform angular grid to insert addition points in a machine coordinate. Algorithm 4 combines and iterates algorithm 2 and 3 by injecting the points into large loops by equi distributing them with regard to the rotation angle having the largest variation. These algorithms are most efficient in the case of the rough cut characterized by large angle variations which produce considerable errors. The efficiency of the algorithm has been verified by a virtual machining as well as by real cutting on fiveaxis machine MAHO600E at the CIM Lab of Asian Institute of Technology of Thailand.

Article Details

How to Cite
[1]
M.-A. Munlin, “Tool Path Optimization for Five-Axis Machining”, JIST, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 63–73, Jun. 2010.
Section
Research Article: Soft Computing (Detail in Scope of Journal)

References

1. Srivastava AK, Veldhuis SC, Elbestawit MA, "Modelling geometric and thermal errors in a fiveaxis CNC machine tool", Int J Mach Tools Manufact, 1995, V35, N9, pp. 1321-1337.

2. Mu YH, Ngoi KA, "Dynamic error compensation of coordinate measuring machines for high-speed measurement", Int J Adv Manuf Technol, 1999, V15, pp. 810-814.

3. Aekambaram R, Raman S, "Improved toolpath generation, error measures and analysis for sculptured surface machining", Int J Prod Research, V37, N2, 1999, pp. 413-431.

4. Y. Koren, "Five-Axis Interpolators", Annals of CIPR, V.44, N1, 1995, pp.379-382.

5. Taejung Kim and Sanjay E. Sarma, “Tool path generation along directions of maximum kinematics performance; a first cut at machine-optimum paths”, Computer Aided Design 34, 2002, 453-468.

6. Chuang-Jang Chiou and Yuan-Shin Lee, “A machining potential field approach to tool path generation for multi-axis sculpture surface machining”, Computer Aided Design 34, 2002, 357-371.

7. Y.H. Jung, D.W. Lee, J.S. Kim and H.S. Mok, “NC post-processor for 5 axis milling machine of table-rotating/tilting type”, Materials Processing Technology, 130-131, 2002, 641-646.

8. Affouard, E. Duc, C. Lartigue, J.M. Langeron, and P. Bourdet, “Avoiding 5-axis singularities using tool path deformation”, International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture, 44(4), 2004, 415-425.

9. M. Munlin, “Tool Path Simulation Using a Virtual 5-Axis Milling Machine”, Proc. Of 2002 IEEE International Conference on Industrial Technology, Bangkok, 11-14 December 2002, pp.193-198.

10. M. A. Weiss, “Data structures and algorithm analysis in C”, Addison Wesley, 1997.