Selecting optimal tools for arbitrarily shaped pockets

Abstract

As a result of slicing a 3D part into 2D pockets for generating tool paths, pockets are becoming more commonly used. When a pocket is machined, the question of which of the many feasible tools for cutting the pocket is best always arises. Will cutting be more efficient if multitools are used? Will the algorithm to choose the optimal tools be timesaving enough? This paper presents a method in which an upper bound O(N) is used to choose the optimal cutting tool combination, where N is the number of feasible tools available. The proposed method is quick and sufficient for computer-aided process planning (CAPP) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) environments.

Identification of an optimal set of cutting-tool sizes for machining polygonal surfaces

“…Obviously there will be a higher overhead if more tools are used. It has been demonstrated that the best number of tools should be less than 4 for general cases [13].…”

“…In the last work [13], the number of tools selected is restricted to two tools, but the optimal tool combination may exceed two tools. Suppose N different tools are available and feasible, and M is the maximum number of selected tools.…”

“…d min may be determined based on the changes of i à for tools with different diameters. On the other hand, the number of tools could be determined in advance according to some hypotheses that are proposed in [13], such that the possible combinations may be obtained based on the following: 1) For every tool an optimal set of cutting conditions has been given by tool manufacturer. The prerequisite for the optimal tool combination is that every tool must be equipped with optimal cutting conditions, which describes the effect of cutting conditions on the performance of the tool.…”

A multi-perspective dynamic feature concept in adaptive NC machining of complex freeform surfaces

“…Arivazhagan et al [13] In feature based process planning, features are linked to manufacturing knowledge of various types like machine tool selection, cutter determination, cutting parameters planning. You et al [15] introduced a cutter selection method for pocket feature, and the combination of the optimal tools for the whole machining process of pocket could be generated by simplifying 3D features to 2D boundaries. Banerjee et al [16] described an integrated process planning approach for optimal corner machining which combines the tool path generation and machining parameter selection tasks.…”

Triangulation intersection approach from Poisson’s equation applied to automatic tool selection in computer numerical control mill-lathe

“…The use of dynamic SQL and criteria of tool select from database to recognize characteristics of the piece shape in .DXF format is presented by You et al 9 Finally, the case of tool sequence problems by Im and Walczyk, 10 the cutting condition effects as roughness presented by Sarma et al, 11 the prediction of cutting conditions by Gadelmawla et al 12 and path generation are included for milling CNC machines by Eladawi et al 3 The novelty of this research is a new method based on triangulation intersection approach from Poisson's equation applied to automatic selection of the tool CNC mill-lathe machine, showing an easy way to simulate pieces, eliminating the designer subjective decisions, to reduce tool selection mistakes, to make the selection process and to design faster, and hence, it does not require a priori knowledge in operations of milling and turning.…”