Author： Tseng Y.-J. Lin C.-C.
Publisher： Taylor & Francis Ltd
ISSN： 0020-7543
Source： International Journal of Production Research, Vol.36, Iss.12, 1998-12, pp. : 3491-3509
Disclaimer: Any content in publications that violate the sovereignty, the constitution or regulations of the PRC is not accepted or approved by CNPIEC.
Abstract
In a typical feature-based model, a set of features is used in both part description and tool path generation for the purpose of linking CAD and CAM. However, in a part with feature interactions, there may exist multiple sets of features to represent the same part. The multiple sets of features represent multiple ways to interpret the part geometry. From the machining point of view, the multiple sets of features represent different ways for machining the same part. Since the part can be produced by machining various sets of features, additional analysis and evaluation are required to find a 'good' set of features for representation and machining. This research develops a systematic method to analyse the multiple sets of features from the machining point of view. First, the cutting tool path inside a feature and the non-cutting tool path between features are identified. Tool path generation methods are developed for different types of predefined features. As a result, a set of tool paths for machining a set of features can be determined. Finally, the multiple sets of tool paths associated with the multiple sets of features can be obtained. The multiple sets of tool paths are evaluated based on the difference in length and time. In summary, a set of features that can be machined with a shorter tool path is considered better. The parts considered in this research are three-dimensional prismatic machining parts to be machined on a three-axis NC milling or machining centre. The prismatic machining features include steps, slots, blind steps, blind slots and pockets. The boundary representation data of the part are input to an implemented software system for analysis. The result can be used to evaluate the alternate process plans from the machining point of view for the purpose of better integration of CAD and CAM.
Related content
Access to resources
Recommend
Feature-based design by volumetric machining features
International Journal of Production Research, Vol. 36, Iss. 10, 1998-10 ,pp. :