CNC Path Optimization for Canned Cycle Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional numerical control apparatuses for machine tools do not effectively reduce the path length to the start point in a canned cycle, leading to increased cycle time and the need for hardware-based contact detection units to adjust movement paths, which is inefficient and limited in reducing path lengths for multiple blocks.
Innovation Solution
A numerical control apparatus that uses an interference check mechanism to determine if a straight path from the cutting completion position to the start position of the next cycle interferes with the workpiece, adjusting the path to be either straight or arc-shaped to avoid interference and minimize length, thereby reducing cycle time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional canned cycle is used with a return to start position or movement along only the first planar axis, then the movement path is simple to control, but the path length is long and cycle time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and stores the cutting completion position and cutting start position from machining program data before execution. This preliminary preparation enables the controller to directly determine the optimal straight path between these positions without complex real-time calculations, thereby reducing cycle time while maintaining simple control logic
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extends the movement path control from traditional two-dimensional planar movement to three-dimensional space by incorporating the cutting completion position, cutting start position, and intermediate positions across multiple blocks. This dimensional extension enables straight path movement through the third dimension (vertical axis) to avoid workpiece interference while minimizing path length
2Productivity
If a straight path from cutting completion position to cutting start position is set, then the path length is reduced and cycle time is minimized, but interference with the workpiece may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs interference determination by comparing the calculated straight path with the workpiece geometry data stored in the machining program. This feedback mechanism automatically detects potential interference conditions and triggers appropriate path adjustments, ensuring both productivity improvement and workpiece protection
Solution Approach 2:
The interference check is performed in advance before the tool actually moves along the path. By pre-calculating the straight path and checking for interference with the workpiece, the system can proactively adjust the path to avoid collisions, combining speed with safety
3Reliability
If existing solutions use contact detection units to monitor tool contact with workpiece, then interference can be detected, but hardware complexity increases and path reduction is limited to single blocks
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical contact detection unit with a computational interference determination system. By using the controller to calculate and compare path coordinates with workpiece geometry data, the system achieves equivalent or superior interference detection accuracy without additional hardware, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital representation (copy) of the workpiece geometry and movement path in the controller's memory. By comparing these digital copies, the interference determination can be performed accurately across multiple blocks without physical sensors, eliminating hardware complexity while maintaining detection reliability
Data Source
AI summary
In a canned cycle, a straight path is set from a cutting completion position in a cycle to a cutting start position in a next cycle. Furthermore, when there is a possibility that the set straight path interferes with a workpiece, a region for which the workpiece has been already cut is determined, and a path not interfering with the workpiece is set with as short length as possible.