An autonomous optimization of tool paths in canned cycles for end milling

Abstract

To facilitate a machine operator to perform a high-productivity machining by fully utilizing the potential of today's high-speed machining centers, we have developed a manufacturing system that can autonomously determine machining conditions in an intelligent manner. This paper presents the implementation of an autonomous machining process monitoring scheme and an in-process optimization scheme of tool paths into canned milling cycles. Since a tool path in a canned cycle is given as the repetition of simple paths, the implementation of such an in-process control scheme is more practical compared to the case under an arbitrary tool path. As an example, this paper particularly considers a trochoidal grooving canned cycle.