Use of CAM Strategies for Tool Movement in Machining Surfaces of Various Shapes

Abstract

Implementation of the CAD systems in the field of machine design allowed more possibilities for the design of free-form surfaces, which are especially used in the field of shape design within the automotive and consumer industries. The connection of the CAD systems with the CAM machining technologies has brought a revolution in the field of machining these surfaces. What until recently could be machined with a great effort on copy milling machines, where the clay or laminate model was an original, can now be produced using a virtual model, whereby the tool copies the shape of this model. The CAD/CAM systems already offer analyses during design, which can verify the manufacturability of the modelled surface. The CAM systems offer a number of tool movement strategies for machining a given surface. This paper is focused on the selection of the most suitable strategy for machining the shaped surfaces of the active parts of press tools for the production of automotive parts. It points out the importance of the CAD/CAM data needed in the stage of technological preparation of production, because they have a significant impact on the achieved surface quality. This paper deals with strategies of machining a planar inclined surface using horizontal and vertical machining strategies. The next part of the paper deals with machining of the Free Form Surface and the final part of the paper uses the described strategies for machining the shapes of the die cavity for connecting rod fittings. The experimental part is concentrating on the selection of the most suitable strategy of die milling for the production of the connecting rod (car internal combustion engine part). Simulations of production and the production of details from two different materials are realized on individual details of the mould. The resulting quality of the treated surface was evaluated based on the evaluation of surface roughness.