About the geometry of milling paths

In computer-aided manufacturing systems a number of methods have been published for milling path generation considering different geometric requirements and conditions determined by specific environments. In this paper we propose a method for the computation of the moving direction of the cutting tool in 3-axis milling considering the local features of the surface. Our method combines two geometric approaches. Computations are presented on analytical surfaces and on triangle meshes

Monitoring and intelligent control for complex curvature friction stir welding

A multi-input multi-output system to implement on-line process monitoring and intelligent control of complex curvature friction stir welding was proposed. An extra rotation axis was added to the existing three translation axes to perform friction stir welding of complex curvature other than straight welding line. A clamping system was designed for locating and holding the workpieces to bear the large force involved in the process between the welding tool and workpieces. Process parameters (feed rate, spindle speed, tilt angle and plunge depth), and process conditions (parent material and curvature), were used as factors for the orthogonal array experiments to collect sensor data of force, torque and tool temperature using multiple sensors and telemetry system. Using statistic analysis of the experimental data, sensitive signal features were selected to train the feed-forward neural networks, which were used for mapping the relationships between process parameters, process conditions and sensor data. A fuzzy controller with initial input/output membership functions and fuzzy rules generated on-line from the trained neural network was applied to perceive process condition changes and make adjustment of process parameters to maintain tool/workpiece contact and energy input. Input/output scaling factors of the fuzzy controller were tuned on-line to improve output response to the amount and trend of control variable deviation from the reference value. Simulation results showed that the presented neuro-fuzzy control scheme has adaptability to process conditions such as parent material and curvature changes, and that the control variables were well regulated. The presented neuro-fuzzy control scheme can be also expected to be applied in other multi-input multi-output machining processes

An Adaptive Tool Path Generation for Large Scale Wedge/Aspheric Lens Element Grinding Based on Isophote Interpolation

Conference Name:4th Conference on Application of Diamond and Related Materials in China (CADRM2010)/1st International Symposium on Advances in Brazed Superabrasive Tools (ISABS2010). Conference Address: Xiamen, PEOPLES R CHINA. Time:AUG 19-23, 2010.Large scale wedge/aspheric lens element is a combination of wedge prism and aspheric lens as a single piece component forming a decentred lens, which is primarily manufactured by Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) machining, especially 3-axis CNC grinding. This paper presents an efficient tool path generation approach based on isophote interpolation. The interpolation guarantees that interpolated points always stay on the iso-inclination curve of the parametric surface. This symmetry ensures that the method can improve and automate large scale wedge/aspheric lens element machining for 3-axis CAD/CAM systems. As part of the validation process, the tool paths generated are analyzed and compare with the desired part