Autonomous Machine Tool to Realize Flexible Machining Operation Unconstrained by NC program

Abstract

In this paper, a new architecture is proposed to realize autonomous machining operation unconstrained by NC program. A flexible process and operation planning system is developed to generate cutting parameters dynamically for flexible machining operation. The flexible process and operation planning system can generate the production plan from the Total Removal Volume (TRV). The TRV is extracted from initial and finished shapes of the product, and the TRV is divided into machining primitives or machining features. The flexible process and operation planning system can generate cutting parameters according to the machining features detected. In addition, a technique called digital copy milling is developed to control the NC machine tool in real time. The digital copy milling system can generate the tool paths in real time based on the principle of copy milling, and it permits to change the operation sequence and the cutting parameters during the machining operation. A prototype of autonomous machine tool was implemented, and actual cutting tests were carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed system. It was proved that the direct machining operation which does not require any effort and time to prepare the NC program can be achieved.