Machining strategy choice: performance VIEWER

TL;DR

This paper introduces a method to analyze and visualize critical areas in high speed machining trajectories to optimize tool path quality and improve productivity by considering machine kinematics and controller capacity.

Contribution

It develops models to estimate performance loss in HSM, integrates them into CAM software, and enables visualization of critical machining areas for better process planning.

Findings

Identified key parameters affecting tool path quality

Developed models for performance loss estimation

Enabled visualization of critical machining zones

Abstract

Nowadays high speed machining (HSM) machine tool combines productivity and part quality. So mould and die maker invested in HSM. Die and mould features are more and more complex shaped. Thus, it is difficult to choose the best machining strategy according to part shape. Geometrical analysis of machining features is not sufficient to make an optimal choice. Some research show that security, technical, functional and economical constrains must be taken into account to elaborate a machining strategy. During complex shape machining, production system limits induce feed rate decreases, thus loss of productivity, in some part areas. In this paper we propose to analyse these areas by estimating tool path quality. First we perform experiments on HSM machine tool to determine trajectory impact on machine tool behaviour. Then, we extract critical criteria and establish models of performance loss. Our work is focused on machine tool kinematical performance and numerical controller unit calculation capacity. We implement these models on Esprit CAM Software. During machining trajectory creation, critical part areas can be visualised and analysed. Parameters, such as, segment or arc lengths, nature of discontinuities encountered are used to analyse critical part areas. According to this visualisation, process development engineer should validate or modify the trajectory.