A Continuous Control of Cutter Posture Change for Efficient 5-Axis Machining of Impeller

Abstract

In 5-Axis Machining of impellers, interference problems with tool and neighboring surfaces often take place due to the narrow and deep gap between blades, so the problem of avoiding interference is very important. Also, because the efficiency of turbo machines can be maximized only when fluids smoothly flow due to the characteristics of the impeller, high quality of the machined surface is required. During 5-Axis machining of these impellers, the excessive local interference avoidance, necessary to avoid interference, leads to inconsistency of cutter posture, low quality of machined surface and increase of processing time. Therefore, in order to increase the efficiency of 5-Axis Machining of impellers, it is necessary to minimize the cutter posture changes and create a continuous tool path while avoiding interference. This study, by using an MC-space algorithm for interference avoidance and an MB-spline algorithm for continuous control, is intended to create a 5-Axis machining tool path with excellent surface quality and economic feasibility; finally, this study will verify the effectiveness of the suggested method through verification processing.