Graphics Based Path Planning for Multi-Axis Machine Tools

Tarbutton, Joshua A.; Tucker, Tommy

doi:10.3722/cadaps.2010.835-845

Cited by 20 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 30 publications

(38 reference statements)

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“…This work aims to demonstrate that assembly free functional mechanisms can be made using subtractive processes with minimal user input by employing a novel approach to CAM. The implemented CAM system, SculptPrint [10][11][12], relies on a discretized part representation and enables automatic generation of complex toolpaths needed to manufacture such mechanisms. The proposed approach to direct digital subtractive manufacturing (DDSM) overcomes two major limitations associated with AM processes: material anisotropy along build orientation; and slow fabrication before, during, and after the process, such as in part cleanup.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Direct Digital Subtractive Manufacturing of a Functional Assembly Using Voxel-Based Models

Lynn

Dinar

Huang

et al. 2017

Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering

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Direct digital manufacturing (DDM) is the creation of a physical part directly from a computer-aided design (CAD) model with minimal process planning and is typically applied to additive manufacturing (AM) processes to fabricate complex geometry. AM is preferred for DDM because of its minimal user input requirements; as a result, users can focus on exploiting other advantages of AM, such as the creation of intricate mechanisms that require no assembly after fabrication. Such assembly free mechanisms can be created using DDM during a single build process. In contrast, subtractive manufacturing (SM) enables the creation of higher strength parts that do not suffer from the material anisotropy inherent in AM. However, process planning for SM is more difficult than it is for AM due to geometric constraints imposed by the machining process; thus, the application of SM to the fabrication of assembly free mechanisms is challenging. This research describes a voxel-based computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) system that enables direct digital subtractive manufacturing (DDSM) of an assembly free mechanism. Process planning for SM involves voxel-by-voxel removal of material in the same way that an AM process consists of layer-by-layer addition of material. The voxelized CAM system minimizes user input by automatically generating toolpaths based on an analysis of accessible material to remove for a certain clearance in the mechanism's assembled state. The DDSM process is validated and compared to AM using case studies of the manufacture of two assembly free ball-in-socket mechanisms.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Direct Digital Subtractive Manufacturing of a Functional Assembly Using Voxel-Based Models

Lynn

Dinar

Huang

et al. 2017

Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering

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“…where a target is located in a lung by generating an endoscopic path to the target (Geiger, Kiraly, Naidich, & Novak, 2010), in graphics applications where the graphic-based path planning approach is used on ray casting and voxel models (Tarbutton, Kurfess, & Tucker, 2010), in manufacturing and CAD, an autonomous system was used in place of painting manually (Chen, Fuhlbrigge, & Li, 2008). The task of finding or generating a path between two points (start and stop/goal/target) and avoiding collision is known as the path planning problem.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Deformable Voronoi diagrams for robot path planning in dynamic environments

Badmos¹

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Path planning for mobile robots is a complex problem. However, it becomes more challenging when it comes to planning paths in dynamic environments. This is because the robot needs to reach an agreement between the need of having efficient and optimal paths and the need to deal with unexpected obstacles. The proposed algorithm for this work is based on two concepts, the Voronoi Diagram used for the environment representation and the Deformation Retracts which are integrated into the system to enable the path planner to deal with the effect of the moving obstacle by deforming the Voronoi Diagram. The fusion of the aforementioned two concepts, Voronoi Diagrams and Deformation Retracts, which are from two related mathematical disciplines (Computational geometry and Algebraic topology), has not yet been considered in robotics applications. The proposed system first extracts the collision-free space by computing a Generalised Voronoi Diagram (GVD) and generates a pre-planned robot path, then the deformation retract is applied on the free space of the Voronoi Diagram created after an interference due to a moving obstacle. The map is deformed, and the initial path is updated to an alternative path if it exists. One important feature of this algorithm is that it is complete because it generates a solution (path) and the dimension of the map has been reduced to one which represents the retracted free space in the environment. This makes the new system applicable to robot navigation in complex environments, and in other research areas such as computer games, virtual reality, and computational geometry to mention but a few. Simulation results of some environments demonstrate the effectiveness of the new algorithm. The findings of this work have shown that Voronoi Diagram and Deformation Retracts Path planning for mobile robots is a complex problem. However, it becomes more challenging when it comes to planning paths in dynamic environments. This is because the robot needs to reach an agreement between the need of having efficient and optimal paths and the need to deal with unexpected obstacles. The proposed algorithm for this work is based on two concepts, the Voronoi Diagram used for the environment representation and the Deformation Retracts which are integrated into the system to enable the path planner to deal with the effect of the moving obstacle by deforming the Voronoi Diagram. The fusion of the aforementioned two concepts, Voronoi Diagrams and Deformation Retracts, which are from two related mathematical disciplines (Computational geometry and Algebraic topology), has not yet been considered in robotics applications. The proposed system first extracts the collision-free space by computing a Generalised Voronoi Diagram (GVD) and generates a pre-planned robot path, then the deformation retract is applied on the free space of the Voronoi Diagram created after an interference due to a moving obstacle. The map is deformed, and the initial path is updated to an alternative path if it exists. One important feature of this algorithm is that it is complete because it generates a solution (path) and the dimension of the map has been reduced to one which represents the retracted free space in the environment. This makes the new system applicable to robot navigation in complex environments, and in other research areas such as computer games, virtual reality, and computational geometry to mention but a few. Simulation results of some environments demonstrate the effectiveness of the new algorithm. The findings of this work have shown that Voronoi Diagram and Deformation Retracts techniques are a good combination for solving path planning problem using Deformable Voronoi Diagram for mobile robot in a dynamic environment.

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“…SculptPrint utilizes a voxelized part representation, as opposed to typical parametric part representations, to enable the accurate simulation of tool marks, scallops, and gouges [16]. Voxels are the three-dimensional equivalent of image pixels, and they can easily be added or subtracted from a part model to simulate material deposition or removal, respectively [17].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Enhancing Undergraduate Understanding of Subtractive Manufacturability through Virtualized Simulation of CNC Machining

Lynn¹,

Jablokow

Saldaña³

et al.

2017 ASEE Annual Conference &Amp; Exposition Proceedings

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The design process can often introduce manufacturing challenges, and designers must be able to understand these challenges in order to minimize them. Frequently, the experience level of mechanical engineering students is insufficient for them to consider the limitations that manufacturing processes impose upon design, and they often design parts that are either difficult or impossible to manufacture. This work describes the development, implementation, and analysis of a system used to rapidly provide students with the knowledge they need to consider manufacturing challenges for machining processes. An experimental group of students was trained in the use of a software package (SculptPrint) that provides visualizations of the turning process and taught how to operate various computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools. A separate control group of students was trained on the operation of manual machine tools and did not receive access to the turning visualizations. Knowledge assessments were given to both groups to measure their understanding of a variety of topics in manufacturability. Analysis of the survey results indicates that student understanding of geometrical limitations in the turning process can be dramatically improved by employing visualizations of manufacturing processes. KeywordsDesign for manufacturability, simulation-based learning, computer-aided manufacturing, virtualization, voxel, CNC machining Introduction Engineers must consider a variety of factors while designing a component or developing a manufacturing process for a part; often, the consideration of such factors is out of reach for students with little to no experience in manufacturing. Both design and manufacturing are addressed in many undergraduate engineering curricula, but frequently, students struggle to synthesize the necessary knowledge to practice design-for-manufacturability (DFM) effectively. DFM is the practice of design in such a way that manufacturing considerations are taken into account during the design process. In order for students to be able to design parts that are readily manufacturable, their competence in DFM must be improved. For subtractive manufacturing (SM) processes, also known as "machining," these considerations include cutting tool size, feature accessibility, workpiece material, and fixture configuration. Both designers and manufacturing engineers need significant experience to be able to think effectively about these considerations; this experience is typically gained through actual engineering practice and realworld skill building, not lectures and textbooks.

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Graphics Based Path Planning for Multi-Axis Machine Tools

Cited by 20 publications

References 30 publications

Direct Digital Subtractive Manufacturing of a Functional Assembly Using Voxel-Based Models

Direct Digital Subtractive Manufacturing of a Functional Assembly Using Voxel-Based Models

Deformable Voronoi diagrams for robot path planning in dynamic environments

Enhancing Undergraduate Understanding of Subtractive Manufacturability through Virtualized Simulation of CNC Machining

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