Principal Curvature Alignment Technique for Machining Complex Surfaces

摘要

Machining complex three dimensional surfaces is a challenging task. This paper presents two methods of machining these surfaces on a 4 and 5 axis machine, using a toroidal shaped cutter. The methods propose to align the principal axis of curvature of the machining surface with that of the machined surface in order to increase the volume of material removed. The increase in material removal at a point reduces the scallop height. Thus, fewer passes are required to achieve the same surface finish.