Multipoint 5-Axis Machining of Curved Surfaces

加拿大的工具、模具和模具制造行业以其精度和准确性而闻名。2002年，加拿大的工具、模具和模具市场约为12亿美元（加拿大统计局）。在最近的经济衰退中下降了40%以上。近年来，市场的前景发生了变化，并呈增长趋势。随着计算机数控机床以新颖的方式减少生产成本和提高生产率的使用增加，这一增长预计将继续下去。*******提出的研究计划侧重于曲面的加工通常发现在刀具，模具和模具使用5轴数控机床。多点加工（MPM）、侧面铣削和加工表面仿真的研究得到了学术界的高度重视，并推动了叶轮五轴加工商用软件的开发。*******当前的建议访问了多点加工的挑战。这个研究项目的主要挑战来自数学的复杂性。下面给出了用于解决该问题的示例方法，尽管其他技术可能从研究计划中发展而来。***1)通过将曲面转换成一系列相邻的三角形来简化曲面的定义。***2)将刀具落在表面上，确定一个接触点和一个伪插入轴。***3)围绕刀具轴旋转刀具，直到找到第二个接触点。***4)确定接触点所在的三角形，沿着公共边缘滑动工具，直到找到第三个接触点。***5)对双参数曲面发展上述步骤。*******按照上面概述的示例策略已经开始工作。前三个步骤的初步调查是成功的。上述步骤将按照本建议进行直至完成。该战略的成功将进一步实现将多点加工研究计划的优势提升到可以在工业中有效使用的水平的目标

The Canadian Tool, Die and Mold making industry is known for its precision and accuracy. In 2002 the Canadian market for tool, dies and molds was around $1.2 billion (Statistics Canada). It dropped by 40+% in the recent recession. The outlook for the market has changed in the recent years and it is on a growth trend. The growth is slated to continue with the increased use of Computer Numerically Controlled Machines in novel ways that reduce production cost and increase productivity.*******The proposed research program focuses on machining of curved surface typically found in tool, die and molds using 5-axis CNC machines. The work on Multi-Point Machining (MPM), Flank Milling and simulation of machined surfaces have received great attention in academic circles and have lead to the development of commercial software for 5-axis machining of impellers.*******The current proposal visits the challenges in Multi-Point Machining. The main challenge in the research program stem from the mathematical complexity. A sample methodology used to address the issue is given below, although other technique may evolve from the research program.***1) Simplify the definition of the surface by converting it into a series of adjoining triangles.***2) Drop the tool onto the surface and identify a contact point and a pseudo insert axis. ***3) Rotate the tool about the tool axis until a second point of contact is found. ***4) Identify the triangles where the contact points lie and slides the tool along the common edge until a third point of contact is found.***5) Develop the above steps for bi-parametric curved surfaces.*******Work has already started along the sample strategy outlined above. The preliminary investigation of the first three steps has been successful. The steps outlined above will be pursued to completion under this proposal. The success of the strategy will further the goal of moving the advantages of the Multi-Point Machining research program to a level where it can be used in industry effectively.**