Numerical Controller Thinning Tool Path Commands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Five-axis processing machines often produce machined shapes with small forward and backward movements in the tool direction due to non-uniform tool center point intervals and tool direction changes, leading to coarse finishes and prolonged machining times.
Innovation Solution
A numerical controller that includes command read, thinning-out, interpolation, and driving means to thin out program commands for tool center point and tool direction, eliminating small movements by adjusting the tool path and direction only when changes are below preset thresholds, thereby smoothing the machined shape and reducing machining time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If program commands are created with frequent tool direction changes on triangle patch boundaries, then tool path coverage is improved, but small forward and backward movements are generated causing coarse machined shapes and long machining time
Solution Approach 1:
The numerical controller performs preliminary detection of small forward and backward movements in the tool direction before executing machining. By detecting these movements in advance and eliminating them through command thinning-out, the system prevents coarse machined shapes and reduces unnecessary machining time while maintaining adequate tool path coverage.
2Manufacturing precision
If all program commands are executed, then complete tool path coverage is achieved, but machining time is prolonged due to unnecessary small movements
Solution Approach 1:
The numerical controller extracts and eliminates unnecessary small forward and backward movement commands from the program command sequence. By taking out these redundant commands through command thinning-out while retaining essential tool path coverage commands, the system reduces machining time without sacrificing adequate tool path coverage.
Data Source
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AI summary
A numerical controller for controlling a five-axis processing machine including three linear axes and two rotational axes for machining a workpiece attached onto a table thins out a command of a moving path of any one of the linear axes and a command of a tool direction if both of the change amount of a tool direction and the change amount of a linear axis in the command of the moving path are smaller than preset values, respectively.