Automatic Chamfering Tool Path Generation for Curved Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chamfering complex shapes with curved surfaces requires expensive 5-axis control machines and involves complex NC programming, which is inefficient and often not adequately handled by 3-axis numerically controlled machines.
Innovation Solution
An automatic programming device generates tool path data for 2-axis machining with a rotating axis parallel to the central axis and a linear axis parallel to the bottom surface, allowing for simple operation and efficient chamfering on curved surfaces without 5-axis control machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If 5-axis control machine is used for chamfering curved surface parts, then chamfering capability is improved, but device cost and operation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a standard 3-axis CNC machine tool instead of an expensive 5-axis control machine. By generating specialized tool path data that enables 2-axis machining with a rotating axis and linear axis, the system achieves chamfering capability on curved surfaces without investing in costly 5-axis equipment, thus replacing expensive equipment with a cheaper alternative through software innovation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the machining parameters by generating tool path data specifically designed for 2-axis machining mode (one rotating axis parallel to central axis and one linear axis parallel to bottom surface). This parameter change enables the 3-axis machine to perform operations traditionally requiring 5-axis control, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If 5-axis control machine is used for chamfering, then chamfering precision is improved, but programming complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic programming device performs self-service by automatically generating the tool path data based on input data about the shaped raw material and machining requirements. The system calculates and generates the necessary G-code or GML code without requiring complex manual programming, thus reducing programming complexity while maintaining chamfering precision through automated calculation
3Device complexity
If 3-axis numerically controlled machine is used for chamfering, then device simplicity is maintained, but chamfering quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rotational dimension to the traditional 3-axis machining by implementing 2-axis machining with one rotating axis parallel to the central axis of the shaped raw material. This dimensional enhancement allows the simple 3-axis machine to achieve complex chamfering operations on curved surfaces that were previously only possible with 5-axis machines, thus improving chamfering quality without increasing machine complexity
4Loss of time
If traditional chamfering methods are used, then operation time is reduced, but machining efficiency deteriorates due to complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic programming device performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and generating the complete tool path data before machining begins. By automatically generating the G-code or GML code based on input data about the shaped raw material and chamfering requirements, the system eliminates time-consuming manual programming and setup, thus improving machining efficiency while maintaining reasonable operation time
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic programming device includes: a machining-area-shape generation unit that generates machining-area shape data that is a machining area shape machined on the basis of machining-area data; and a chamfering tool-path generation unit that, when the machining area shape is a chamfering target part, generates chamfering tool-path data for chamfering according to chamfering data including the machining-area shape data, data on tool-to-be-used, and data on machining condition. When performing chamfering on a boundary of the shaped raw material and the machining area shape defined on a curved surface that is a shaped raw material, the chamfering tool-path generation unit generates a machining path, as the chamfering tool-path data, for realizing chamfering by using 2-axis machining of a rotating axis parallel to a central axis of the shaped raw material and with a linear axis parallel to a bottom surface of the machining area shape.