6-Axis Control Corner Cutting

Geqi Ye (U.E.C. R&CIM Takeuchi Lab.)

Introduction

CAD/CAM systems are now used in various manufacturing applications which make it possible to manufacture sculptured sruface. However, some problems still exist in machining of complex surface. For example, it is impossible to mill without round corner by using rotation cutting tool. The study deals with a new machining concept in corner cutting by non-rotation cutting tool and 6-axis control. 6-axis control machining mesns a cutting tool allows three rotational movements as well as three translational ones. A 6-axis control machining center equipped with a main spindle capable of tool orientation in addition to conventional 5-axis control structure is developed. A non-rotational cutting tool is mounted at the main spindle to carry out 6-axis control machining, which allow a variety of machining possibilities.
In the study, a new 6-axis CAM software for corner cutting on 6-axis control machining center was developed and tested.

The examples of 6-axis control machining

  1. Finishing of sculptured surface;
  2. Asymmetric groove;
  3. Forming a character line;
  4. Milling without round corner.

Tool path generation algorithm

The systerm consists of main-processor and postprocessor. CL data are generated by main-processor, taking account of remaining corner radius. The post-processor convert CL data to NC data, which adapt to the structure of machining centers.

Conclusions

6-axis control systerm for corner cutting has been devoloped. The optimal cutting area that take accout of remaining corner radius could be determined.