Selecting an optimal tool sequence for 2.5D pocket machining while considering tool holder collisions

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-2006

Department

Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics

Abstract

Milling using a sequence of tools has become very attractive with the advent of rapid tool change mechanisms in modern CNC machines. However, the commercial CAM systems used to generate G&M code rely on experienced process planners to select a good tool sequence. When a tool sequence is selected and tool paths are generated, NC-verify systems are used to check the tool paths for tool holder collisions. If tool holder collisions are detected, the part has to be re-planned ab-initio. In this paper, we describe a method to select an optimal tool sequence by formulating the problem under certain assumptions as the shortest path solution to a single source directed acyclic graph. Also described is a method to incorporate tool holder solution in the context of selecting an optimal tool sequence. Examples have been worked out to illustrate the workings of the algorithm.

Publication Title

Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing

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