Optimum Tool Path Generation for 5-Axis Control Machining Considering Change in Tool Attitude for whole of Machining Surface

Abstract

The 5-axis control machining has a lot of advantages in the machining of complex shapes. The major problem in 5-axis control machining is the tool interference with workpiece. Some commercial 3-dimensional CAM software are already offered, which consider the tool interference problem and allow us the interference-free 5-axis control machining. However, the policy of above CAM software to the tool interference avoidance is that the tool attitude is modified only at where the tool interference is detected. Thus, the tool attitude suddenly changes with the redundant movement. Because such movement cause the over and under cutting, it is necessary to be avoided as much as possible. We have already proposed the tool path generation method for 5-axis control machining using an original configuration space. In the previous paper, the interference-free cutter location data with the least amount of the change in tool attitude was generated while referring to all of the configuration space information at several cutting points. In this study, tool attitudes after interference avoidance are decided by referring to configuration space information for the whole of machining surface. The technique of the previous paper is enhanced, the continuousness of the tool attitude change in the direction of not only tool feed but also pickfeed is considered, and the method for generating the cutter location data for the optimum 5-axis control machining is developed. As a result, the usefulness of the devised CAM system is experimentally found.