Development of CAM System Based on Simulation of the Copy Operation

Abstract

For high speed machining with rotating tools and a new type surface finishing with non-rotating cutting tools; it is necessary to develop a CAM system that can generate accurate CL data with high speed and high reliability. In order to extend CAM functions, a unified algorithm for CL data generation was developed that can be applied for both tools. This unified algorithm is based on simulating the servo data generation method of a copy milling machine. The tool path is defined in a calculation of contact points between the model and the stylus head. Therefore, preceding processes of offset surface generation and tool interference check can be abbreviated. The developed system has the following four tool path modes; (1) the scanning line, (2) the contour line, (3) the 3 D profile, and (4) the contour line roughing. Tool path simulations and cutting tests show that the developed system can generate CL data with high accuracy and reliability.