Milling data generation system with automatic cutter selection based on product description and machining knowledge

通过本研究，开发了一个整体加工系统，该系统可以自动执行切削顺序的规划、刀具的选择和切削数据的生成，包括基于产品模型的刀具路径的生成。加工数据自动生成系统从产品设计阶段接收产品描述，提取加工特征，选择刀具，规划切削顺序，以数控数据的形式生成切削控制数据。该系统与CAD系统平滑连接，并通过包含加工特征提取过程，消除了对人工操作的要求。在本研究中，重点讨论了铣削特征提取和刀具选择过程中使用的产品描述和加工知识。在这里，铣削特性是指由单个刀具加工的体积。该系统通过基于产品描述的横截面和属性推导出铣削区域，列出对应于每个铣削区域的候选刀具，使用刀具中心路径确定计算铣削区域，并根据刀具直径对铣削区域进行分组。每一组对应一个铣削特征。用于粗切、中切和精切的刀具是根据加工区域的分组来选择的。在这些推导中，有效地利用了刀具和诀窍规则的加工知识。所开发的系统已应用于复杂几何形状模具型腔的自动铣削数据生成。利用系统生成的数控数据执行铣削过程。最后，对系统的有效性进行了验证。

As a result of this research, a total machining system has been developed that automatically performs the planning of a cutting sequence, cutter selection and generation of cutting data, including generation of the cutter path based on the product model. The automatic machining data generation system receives the product description from the product design stage, extracts machining features, selects the tools to be used, plans the cutting order, and generates cutting control data in the form of NC data. The system is smoothly connected with the CAD system, and by including a machining feature extraction process, it eliminates the requirement of a human operator. In this research emphasis is placed on the discussion of milling feature extraction and tool selection processes for milling of pockets using the product description and machining knowledge. Here, milling feature means the volume machined by a single tool. The system proceeds deriving milling areas by means of cross sections and attributes based on product description, listing of candidates of tools used corresponding to each milling area, calculating milled areas using the tool centre path determination, and grouping milled areas according to tool diameters. Each group corresponds to one milling feature. Toools that are used for rough cutting, intermediate cutting and finish cutting are selected based on groups of milled areas. In these derivations, machining knowledge about cutters and know-how rules are used effectively. The developed system has been applied to the automatic milling data generation of the cavity for a mold with a complicated geometric shape. The milling process was executed using NC data generated by the system. Finally, the effectiveness of the system was certified.