597 research outputs found

    Design of a five-axis ultra-precision micro-milling machine—UltraMill. Part 2: Integrated dynamic modelling, design optimisation and analysis

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    Using computer models to predict the dynamic performance of ultra-precision machine tools can help manufacturers to substantially reduce the lead time and cost of developing new machines. However, the use of electronic drives on such machines is becoming widespread, the machine dynamic performance depending not only on the mechanical structure and components but also on the control system and electronic drives. Bench-top ultra-precision machine tools are highly desirable for the micro-manufacturing of high-accuracy micro-mechanical components. However, the development is still at the nascent stage and hence lacks standardised guidelines. Part 2 of this two-part paper proposes an integrated approach, which permits analysis and optimisation of the entire machine dynamic performance at the early design stage. Based on the proposed approach, the modelling and simulation process of a novel five-axis bench-top ultra-precision micro-milling machine tool—UltraMill—is presented. The modelling and simulation cover the dynamics of the machine structure, the moving components, the control system and the machining process and are used to predict the entire machine performance of two typical configurations

    A holistic integrated dynamic design and modelling approach applied to the development of ultraprecision micro-milling machines

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    Ultraprecision machines with small footprints or micro-machines are highly desirable for micro-manufacturing high-precision micro-mechanical components. However, the development of the machines is still at the nascent stage by working on an individual machine basis and hence lacks generic scientific approach and design guidelines. Using computer models to predict the dynamic performance of ultraprecision machine tools can help manufacturers substantially reduce the lead time and cost of developing new machines. Furthermore, the machine dynamic performance depends not only upon the mechanical structure and components but also the control system and electronic drives. This paper proposed a holistic integrated dynamic design and modelling approach, which supports analysis and optimization of the overall machine dynamic performance at the early design stage. Based on the proposed approach the modelling and simulation process on a novel 5-axis bench-top ultraprecision micro-milling machine tool – UltraMill – is presented. The modelling and simulation cover the dynamics of the machine structure, moving components, control system and the machining process, and are used to predict the overall machine performance of two typical configurations. Preliminary machining trials have been carried out and provided the evidence of the approach being helpful to assure the machine performing right at the first setup

    An investigation into the effects of thermal errors of a machine tool on the dimensional accuracy of parts

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    The reduction of machining errors has become increasingly important in modern manufacturing in order to obtain the required quality of parts. Geometric error makes up the basic part of the inaccuracy of the machine tool at the cold stage; however, as the machine running time increases, thermally-induced errors start to play a major role in machined workpiece accuracy. Dimensional accuracy of machined parts could be affected by several factors, such as the machine tool’s condition, the workpiece material, machining procedures and the operator’s skill. Of these, the machine condition plays an important role in determining the machine’s performance and its effects on the final dimensions of machined parts. The machine’s condition can be evaluated by its errors which include the machine’s built-in geometric and kinematic error, thermal error, cutting force-induced error and other errors.This research represents a detailed study of the effects of thermal errors of a machine tool on the dimensional accuracy of the parts produced on it. A new model has been developed for the prediction of thermally-induced errors of a three-axis machine tool. By applying the proposed model to real machining examples, the dimensional accuracy of machined parts was improved. The research work presented in this thesis has the following four unique characteristics:‱ Investigated the thermal effects on the dimensional accuracy of machined parts by machining several components at different thermal conditions of a machine tool to establish a direct relationship between the dimensional accuracy of machined parts and the machine tool’s thermal status.‱ Developed a new model for calculating thermally-induced volumetric error where the three axial positioning errors were modelled as functions of ball screw nut temperature and travel distance. The influences of the other 18 error components were ignored due to their insignificant influence.‱ Employed a Laser Doppler Displacement Meter (LDDM) with three thermocouples, instead of the expensive laser interferometer and the large number of thermocouples required by the traditional model, to assess the thermally-induced volumetric errors of a three-axis CNC machining centre. The thermally-induced volumetric error predictions were in good agreement with the measured results.‱ Applied the newly developed thermally-induced volumetric error compensation model for drilling operations to improve the positioning accuracy of drilled holes. The results show that positioning accuracy of the drilled holes was improved significantly after compensation. The absolute reduction of the positioning errors of drilled holes was an average 30.44 ÎŒm at the thermal stable stage, while the average relative reduction ratio of these errors was 77%.Therefore, the proposed thermally-induced volumetric error compensation model can bean effective tool for enhancing the machining accuracy of existing machine tools used in the industry

    Thermal error compensation of a 5-axis machine tool using indigenous temperature sensors and CNC integrated Python code validated with a machined test piece

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    Achieving high workpiece accuracy is the long-term goal of machine tool designers. There are many causes for workpiece inaccuracy, with thermal errors being the most common. Indirect compensation (using prediction models for thermal errors) is a promising strategy to reduce thermal errors without increasing machine tool costs. The modelling approach uses transfer functions to deal with this issue; it is an established dynamic method with a physical basis, and its modelling and calculation speed are suitable for real-time applications. This research presents compensation for the main internal and external heat sources affecting the 5-axis machine tool structure including spindle rotation, three linear axes movements, rotary C axis and time-varying environmental temperature influence, save for the cutting process. A mathematical model using transfer functions is implemented directly into the control system of a milling centre to compensate for thermal errors in real time using Python programming language. The inputs of the compensation algorithm are indigenous temperature sensors used primarily for diagnostic purposes in the machine. Therefore, no additional temperature sensors are necessary. This achieved a significant reduction in thermal errors in three machine directions X, Y and Z during verification testing lasting over 60 hours. Moreover, a thermal test piece was machined to verify the industrial applicability of the introduced approach. The results of the transfer function model compared with the machine tool’s multiple linear regression compensation model are discussed

    A novel haptic model and environment for maxillofacial surgical operation planning and manipulation

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    This paper presents a practical method and a new haptic model to support manipulations of bones and their segments during the planning of a surgical operation in a virtual environment using a haptic interface. To perform an effective dental surgery it is important to have all the operation related information of the patient available beforehand in order to plan the operation and avoid any complications. A haptic interface with a virtual and accurate patient model to support the planning of bone cuts is therefore critical, useful and necessary for the surgeons. The system proposed uses DICOM images taken from a digital tomography scanner and creates a mesh model of the filtered skull, from which the jaw bone can be isolated for further use. A novel solution for cutting the bones has been developed and it uses the haptic tool to determine and define the bone-cutting plane in the bone, and this new approach creates three new meshes of the original model. Using this approach the computational power is optimized and a real time feedback can be achieved during all bone manipulations. During the movement of the mesh cutting, a novel friction profile is predefined in the haptical system to simulate the force feedback feel of different densities in the bone

    Passive chatter suppression of thin-walled parts by means of high-damping lattice structures obtained from selective laser melting

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    Chatter vibrations arising during machining operations are detrimental for cutting process performance, since they may cause poor surface quality of the machined part and severe damages to machine tool elements. Passive approaches for chatter suppression are based on the integration of special mechanical components with high-damping properties within the machining system. They represent a good solution to this problem thanks to their intrinsic simplicity. Recently, the application of metallic lattice structures inside 3D printed parts obtained from the Selective Laser Melting technology have proven superior damping properties with respect to the same full density material. Here, this idea is further explored by considering the novel configuration where the unmelted powder grains are retained inside the lattice structure by an external shell, acting as a multiplicity of microscopic mechanical dampers. This concept is applied for passive chatter suppression of thin-walled parts that are of particular relevance for industry. Preliminary experimental investigation was first carried out on simple beam-like specimens, and then on thin-walled benchmarks that were identified through modal analysis and tested under real cutting conditions. The main conclusion is that the novel proposed configuration (lattice plus unmelted powder) has higher damping properties with respect to the full density and lattice alternatives. Accordingly, it may be successfully applied for passive chatter suppression in real machining operations

    Accuracy of depth of cut in micro milling operations

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