Automated initial process planning system for three-axis NC machining of sculptured surfaces

자유 곡면의 3축 NC 가공을 위한 초기 공정 계획 기능의 자동화

In this paper, the automated initial process planning for 3-axis NC machining of sculptured surfaces is persented. The solution algorithms determining three process planning functions, i.e. machining feasibility, setup orientation and feasible machine selection are developed. The machining feasibility is determined by means of BSM(Binary Spherical Map) which derives its solution quickly in algebraic form, and the setup orientation is determined so that the cutting force is minimized. Finally, the feasible machine is determined by computing the minimum motion ranges of each control axisl. The developed algorithms are tested by numerical simulations, convincing they can by readily implemented on the CAD/CAM system as a process planner.