Avoiding Exit Burr in CNC End Milling by an Adapted Tool Path

Abstract

Abstract Most machining processes often require secondary operations such as edge finishing to improve the part’s form and function. The cost of the edge finishing operation can be significant, but is often neglected by part designers and process planners. In many cases, it is possible to avoid edge finishing process if the part’s edge quality is taken into consideration during part design and process planning stages. In milling, it has been known for some time that when the tool leaves the part while removing work material, burrs are likely to form. With this fundamental knowledge, a tool path generation algorithm that avoids exit burr formation was developed in this paper. The developed algorithm makes use of a traditional window framing tool path generation scheme. The validity of the algorithm is also investigated. Lastly, a comparison between the developed algorithm and traditional zigzag tool path planning algorithms is made.