Stiffness-based workspace atlas of hexapod machine tool for optimal work piece location

This paper presents a methodology to plot workspace atlas based on stiffness for hexapod machine tool. The stiffness of hexapod machine tool varies with the configuration changes at every instant. Hence, work piece location is not as simple and straightforward as that of conventional machine tools. Stiffness-based workspace atlas will help in selecting optimal work piece location. An illustrative example to demonstrate the use of atlas in identification of optimal work piece location is also presented.     

MACHINING PARAMETERS OPTIMIZATION FOR ALUMINA BASED CERAMIC CUTTING TOOLS USING GENETIC ALGORITHM

Alumina-based ceramic cutting tools can be operated at higher cutting speeds than carbide and cermet tools. This results in increased metal removal rates and productivity. While the initial cost of alumina based ceramic inserts is generally higher than carbide or cermet inserts, the cost per part machined is often lower. Production cost is the main concern of the industry and it has to be optimised to fully utilize the advantages of ceramic cutting tools. In this study, optimization of machining parameters on machining S.G. iron (ASTM A536 60-40-18) using alumina based ceramic cutting tools is presented. Before doing the optimization work, experimental machining study is carried out using Ti [C,N] mixed alumina ceramic cutting tool (CC 650) and Zirconia toughened alumina ceramic cutting tool (Widialox G) to get actual input values to the optimization problem, so that the optimized results will be realistic. The optimum machining parameters are found out using Genetic algorithm and it is found that Widialox G tool is able to machine at lower unit production cost than CC 650 tool. The various costs affecting the unit production cost are also discussed.     

MACHINING PARAMETERS OPTIMIZATION FOR ALUMINA BASED CERAMIC CUTTING TOOLS USING GENETIC ALGORITHM

Alumina-based ceramic cutting tools can be operated at higher cutting speeds than carbide and cermet tools. This results in increased metal removal rates and productivity. While the initial cost of alumina based ceramic inserts is generally higher than carbide or cermet inserts, the cost per part machined is often lower. Production cost is the main concern of the industry and it has to be optimised to fully utilize the advantages of ceramic cutting tools. In this study, optimization of machining parameters on machining S.G. iron (ASTM A536 60-40-18) using alumina based ceramic cutting tools is presented. Before doing the optimization work, experimental machining study is carried out using Ti [C,N] mixed alumina ceramic cutting tool (CC 650) and Zirconia toughened alumina ceramic cutting tool (Widialox G) to get actual input values to the optimization problem, so that the optimized results will be realistic. The optimum machining parameters are found out using Genetic algorithm and it is found that Widialox G tool is able to machine at lower unit production cost than CC 650 tool. The various costs affecting the unit production cost are also discussed.     

Anisotropic force ellipsoid based multi-axis motion optimization of machine tools

The existing research of the motion optimization of multi-axis machine tools is mainly based on geometric and kinematic constraints, which aim at obtaining minimum-time trajectories and finding obstacle-free paths. In motion optimization, the stiffness characteristics of the whole machining system, including machine tool and cutter, are not considered. The paper presents a new method to establish a general stiffness model of multi-axis machining system. An analytical stiffness model is established by Jacobi and point transformation matrix method. Based on the stiffness model, feed-direction stiffness index is calculated by the intersection of force ellipsoid and the cutting feed direction at the cutter tip. The stiffness index can help analyze the stiffness performance of the whole machining system in the available workspace. Based on the analysis of the stiffness performance, multi-axis motion optimization along tool paths is accomplished by mixed programming using Matlab and Visual C++. The effectiveness of the motion optimization method is verified by the experimental research about the machining performance of a 7-axis 5-linkage machine tool. The proposed research showed that machining stability and production efficiency can be improved by multi-axis motion optimization based on the anisotropic force ellipsoid of the whole machining system.     

基于动力学不确定性的重型切削工艺参数优化

针对数控重型切削加工过程的切削稳定性具有不确定性的特点,提出了在切削稳定性和机床工作能力的约束下,获得最大材料去除率的工艺参数优化方法。根据重型切削加工的工艺特点建立三维动力学模型,以机床的固有频率、阻尼比、刚度和切削力系数作为不确定因素,结合排零定理和边理论对其进行不确定性分析,获得稳健的切削稳定性叶瓣图,结合切削深度、刀具直径和刀具齿数的关系,为加工过程选择能获得最大切削深度的刀具。在此基础上,建立工艺参数优化模型,选择最佳的轴向切削深度、径向切削深度和主轴转速的组合,最后以一台加工中心上某型号发动机缸体表面的粗加工过程为例进行了验证。     

平面2自由度并联构型静刚度分析和设计

在建立支链子系统、机架子系统和整机刚度模型的基础上,分析评价了一台4自由度混联机床并联部分的刚度。分析结果轴承是影响机床刚度的薄弱环节,x方向刚度变化较大,影响机床的加工精度。提出了刚度变化率指标,分析了工作空间x方向刚度变化率的影响因素。完成了以静刚度变化率为指标的优化设计,为机床刚度优化和设计提供了理论依据。     

Selection of machining datum and allocation of tolerance through tolerance charting technique

Tolerance charting is an effective tool to determine the optimal allocation of working dimensions and working tolerances such that the blueprint dimensions and tolerances can be achieved to accomplish the cost objectives.The selection of machining datum and allocation of tolerances are critical in any machining process planning as they directly affect any setup methods/machine tools selection and machining time.This paper mainly focuses on the selection of optimum machining datums and machining tolerances simultaneously in process planning.A dynamic tolerance charting constraint scheme is developed and implemented in the optimization procedure.An optimization model is formulated for selecting machining datum and tolerances and implemented with an algorithm namely Elitist Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm(NSGA-II).The computational results indicate that the proposed methodology is capable and robust in finding the optimal machining datum set and tolerances.     

A postprocessor for table-tilting type five-axis machine tool based on generalized kinematics with variable feedrate implementation

Improvements in the machine tool and the machining process technologies increased the need for generic postprocessors in order to exploit the capabilities of the machine tools. Contrary to conventional machining approach, next-generation machining technologies such as force-based feedrate scheduling and toolpath optimization requires the implementation of the variable feedrate during toolpath which constitutes the aim of this article. Therefore, this paper introduces a postprocessor for table-tilting type five-axis machine tool based on generalized kinematics with variable feedrate implementation. Furthermore, a practical yet effective method for avoiding kinematic singularities by spherical interpolation and NC data correction is presented as well. Proposed approach is validated for various five-axis machine tools with different kinematic configurations via virtual machine simulation module. Results of the verification tests show that presented postprocessing approach can accurately convert the cutter location information into NC codes and it is demonstrated that integrated virtual simulation module can simulate toolpaths with large number of blocks.     

Process definition of preformed part machining for taking benefit of parallel kinematic machine tool kinematic performances

In the automotive or aeronautical industries, few parallel kinematic machine tools (PKM) are used in high-speed machining (HSM). However, the dynamics of these machine tool structures could be relevant for HSM since their acceleration potential is much higher than serial kinematic machine tools. However, a particularity of PKM is to have kinematic performances depending on the tool pose in the machine workspace. Thus, this paper proposes a method to increase the productivity of performed part machining with PKM by taking advantage of their kinematic performances, with the aim of decreasing the time of the non-cutting tool movements. Process parameters defined by this method are the machined part setup, the planning of the machining operations, the control of potential redundant axis and the definition of the tool paths between cutting operations. The developed method is achieved in four successive steps based on a modelling of the kinematic behaviour of a given PKM. Each step leads to define one of the process parameters with regard to the decrease of non-cutting time. Thus, this method only requires common optimization algorithms that increase it robustness and its adaptability to different structures of PKM. It is illustrated with drilling operations on preformed parts with the Tripteor X7 machine tool developed by the PCI-SCEMM Company.     

数控落地铣镗床滑座的模态分析及优化

车床床身是整台机床的基础和支架,其振动和刚度影响着零件的加工精度。利用SolidWorks建模,并运用ANSYS Workbench进行数控落地铣镗床滑座的前6阶模态分析,得到滑座的固有频率、振型及动态特征;在保证车床静刚度的前提下,提出3种优化方案,对优化前后的模型进行对比分析,找出最优方案,为车床的设计提供新的思路和方法。     

Machining process parameters optimization for heavy-duty CNC machine tools in sustainable manufacturing

Machining process parameters (MPP) directly affect the machining quality and efficiency of heavy-duty CNC machine tools (HCMT). The selection of MPP is very important to effectively improve machining performance. Machining performance has been closely related to the HCMT running state. In order to maintain HCMT sustainably manufacturing with high accuracy and low consumption after machining performance degradation for a long time running, MPP should be re-optimized according to the current state of the machine tools. Thus, this paper proposed a MPP optimization method for running HCMT to obtain optimal MPP based on current running state. A multi-objective optimization model was built, considering both the linear factors such as machining time and machining cost and nonlinear factors such as chatter in machining process. The nonlinear factors were reflected by the nonlinear dynamic model of machining process. Furthermore, a grid optimization algorithm was introduced to search the optimal MPP from the multi-objective optimization model. Finally, a case study was implemented to verify the feasibility of the nonlinear dynamic model and the superiority of the multi-objective optimization method compared with single-objective optimization method.     

A near-optimal part setup algorithm for 5-axis machining using a parallel kinematic machine

A near-optimal part setup model (NOPSM) is developed. The purpose of this model is to find the near-optimal part setup position and orientation based on the workspace, stiffness and accuracy capability of a parallel kinematic machine that can be used for 5-axis machining. To build the proposed NOPSM, the knowledge on the hexapod kinematics, workspace, stiffness, structural imperfection, nonuniform thermal gradient and accuracy is required. Thus, it is a comprehensive performance capability study for a parallel kinematic machine. The proposed model is a software solution concept to improve the machines performance. It is very cost effective and can also be modified for other 5-axis machine tool applications.     

Time domain coupled simulation of machine tool dynamics and cutting forces considering the influences of nonlinear friction characteristics and process damping

A higher machining ability is always required for NC machine tools to achieve higher productivity. The self-oscillated vibration called “chatter” is a well-known and significant problem that increases the metal removal rate. The generation process of the chatter vibration can be described as a relationship between cutting force and machine tool dynamics. The characteristics of machine tool feed drives are influenced by the nonlinear friction characteristics of the linear guides. Hence, the nonlinear friction characteristics are expected to affect the machining ability of machines. The influence of the contact between the cutting edge and the workpiece (i.e., process damping) on to the machining ability has also been investigated. This study tries to clarify the influence of the nonlinear friction characteristics of linear guides and ball screws and process damping onto milling operations. A vertical-type machining center is modeled by a multi-body dynamics model with nonlinear friction models. The influence of process damping onto the machine tool dynamics is modeled as stiffness and damping between the tool and the workpiece based on the evaluated frequency response during the milling operation. A time domain-coupled simulation approach between the machine tool behavior and the cutting forces is performed by using the machine tool dynamics model. The simulation results confirm that the nonlinear frictions influence the cutting forces with an effect to suppress the chatter vibration. Furthermore, the influence of process damping can be evaluated by the proposed measurement method and estimated by a time domain simulation.     

机床整机动刚度薄弱环节辨识与优化方法研究

提出一种机床整机动态分析指导薄弱部件改进的优化思路,即通过对机床整机的动刚度进行分析,辨识出不同激振频率下整机中的薄弱环节,明确优化目标,提高优化效率。利用ANSYS Workbench软件对一种卧式加工中心进行谐响应分析和模态分析,辨识出立柱是整机x向和z向动刚度的最薄弱环节。以立柱结构为优化对象,运用灵敏度分析法计算出立柱质量和固有频率对各个壁板的灵敏度。以立柱固有频率为优化目标,立柱质量为约束条件,建立优化方程。利用Matlab软件求解该方程,得到立柱的优化结果。通过谐响应分析得到优化后机床整机的动刚度,结果表明,优化后立柱在质量不增加的情况下,整机在x向和z向的最大共振峰值降低约6.5%,相应的共振频率提高约10%。     

基于模态柔度和能量分布的机床动态优化设计

使机床切削点动柔度最大值在整个工作频率范围内最小,是机床实现无颤振稳定切削和高精度切削加工的要求,也是对其进行动态优化设计所应达到的目标。基于模态柔度和能量分布的机床结构动态优化设计原理,实现了一种以降低切削点交叉动柔度值为目标的优化方法。该方法利用切削点交叉动柔度与模态柔度的关系,首先寻找薄弱模态,再分析薄弱模态上各部件和环节的能量分布,确定该模态上的薄弱环节,然后在一定的约束条件下,改进这些环节的设计参数,从而实现优化目标。以某型万能工具铣床为例,在整机建模分析计算的基础上,阐述了该优化方法的具体应用。通过模态柔度和能量分布计算,判明该机床的薄弱环节是横梁-水平主轴体系统,针对薄弱环节设计参数的改进实现其质量和刚度的优化,优化后的静柔度和模态柔度都有较大的降低,而固有频率则相应提高,切削点动柔度的最大值降低近18%。并在此基础上进行结构改进设计,改进前后机床的谐响应分析和切削试验对比结果表明优化方法有效地改善了机床的动态性能,再生颤振稳定性得到大幅提高。     

Optimal selection of machining parameters for fast tool servo diamond turning

Ultraprecision machined components with micro-structured surfaces in micrometer or nanometer range have gained wide applications especially in optical industry. A technique called fast tool servo (FTS) diamond turning is superior in fabricating precision and complicated micro-structured surfaces with wavelength above tens of microns. However, in order to obtain optimal machined surface quality, the machining parameters need to be selected carefully. In this paper, optimal selection of the machining parameters, including spindle speed, sampling number, feedrate and tool geometry, for fabricating micro-structured surfaces by FTS diamond turning is presented. A simulation system is developed to select feedrate and tool geometry by computing the theoretical surface roughness, spindle speed, and sampling number based on the FTS dynamics and the motion controller capability. Experiments have been carried out to show the effect of the machining parameters. In addition, machining of typical micro-structured surfaces with machining parameters selected by the presented approach proves the effectiveness of the proposed optimal machining parameters selection method and the designed FTS diamond turning machine.     

基于机床运动学约束球头刀多轴加工刀轴矢量优化方法

针对目前航空发动机叶片进排气边加工精度和表面质量较差的问题,提出了一种基于机床运动学约束球头刀多轴加工刀轴矢量优化方法。建立刀位优化变量与刀位数据之间的关系方程,同时建立刀位数据与机床回转轴角度之间的运动变换方程,从而推导出刀位优化变量与机床回转轴角度之间的关系方程。通过求解上述方程得到球头刀多轴加工复杂曲面的刀轴矢量计算公式。在此基础上,给出球头刀多轴加工刀轴矢量优化方法和刀轨生成方法。同时,以某航空发动机叶片为例,分析了本文算法和Sturz算法对机床回转轴角度的影响。分别利用本文算法和Sturz算法生成该叶片进气边加工的刀轨,并在五轴数控机床上进行加工试验。试验结果表明,该算法能够避免加工过程中机床回转轴的大幅波动,使机床轴运动更加平稳和光滑,从而提高曲面的加工质量和加工效率,具有一定的实际应用价值。     

数控机床的经济化高精度控制

为实现低成本高精度自动化加工,提出了数控机床的经济化高精度控制方法和基于该方法的闭环驱动控制系统。由此构成的新型数控机床,其成本与普通经济型数控机床相当,但却具有高档全闭环数控机床的加工精度。数十例实际应用证明,这种新型机床在复杂精密零件加工方面具有良好效果。     

薄板类零件加工精度可靠性分析及工艺参数优化

针对薄板类零件加工过程中加工变形导致加工精度低的问题,利用有限元法和高斯过程回归算法建立了加工变形预测模型,综合考虑机床运动误差与工件加工变形,对薄板件加工精度可靠性进行分析,建立了以加工效率和平均加工变形为目标、加工精度可靠度为约束的铣削加工工艺参数优化设计模型,并利用多目标优化算法进行求解,确定了协调加工效率和加工变形最优的工艺参数组合。案例研究结果表明,经优化设计后最低加工精度可靠度达到98.21%,平均加工变形减小21.14%,加工效率提高了4.18%,为薄板类零件铣削加工工艺参数选择提供了一种可行的方法。