5-Axis machining speed enhancement by step length optimization

In this paper, an NC data optimization approach for enhancing 5-axis machining speed is presented. It is usual to use expensive commercial CAD/CAM programs for NC data of 5-axis machining, since it needs very large calculations for optimal tool positioning and orientation, tool path planning, and collision-free tool path generation. Since commercial CAD/CAM systems have similar functions and efficiency based on common algorithms of reliable theories, they do not have their own unique features for machining speed and efficiency. In other words, most commercial CAD/CAM systems consider only the characteristics of part geometry to be machined, which means that they generate almost the same NC data if the part to be machined is the same, even though different machines are used for the part. A new approach is proposed for optimizing NC data of 5-axis machining, which is based on the characteristics of the machine to be operated. As a result, the speed of 5-axis machining can increase without losing machining accuracy and surface quality. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.