Comprehensive representation of machining process in spatio-temporal space based on four-dimensional geometric models (1st report)

Overview of research framework and some preliminary results

Abstract

In general machining process representation method, three-dimensional (3D) models of workpiece, cutter and data of a set of operations based on time series are used widely. Due to time series always consist of many discrete time steps, result of general machining simulation cannot as accurate as a machining process simulation with an additional continuous time-axis in 4-Dimensional (4D) Spatio-Temporal space. The objective of this research is proposing a representation method of continuous 5-axis machining process in Spatio-Temporal space. In the research framework, 3D tool-shape model with its motion information and workpiece model are input and a 4D tool-occupied region (TOR) are generate. Then, generate the T-Map of workpiece model, and calculate intersection points of TOR. T-Map is a preliminary method which introduced as an extension of common one-direction Z-Map, it consists of many segments, that from the center of each voxel in a model extends along positive t-axis in Spatio-Temporal space. The lengths of segments, which can present machined time of corresponding voxel, are recorded for tool-workpiece engagement determination and used to generate a 4D product model as the result.