Optimization of cutter orientation for multi-axis NC machining based on minimum energy consumption of motion axes

摘要

A cutter axis optimization method for multi-axis machining based on minimum energy consumption of motion axes is presented in this paper to avoid the unstable running status of the machine tool induced by unreasonable cutter directions in multi-axis machining of sculptured surfaces. Firstly, a mathematic model based on minimum energy consumption of motion axes of the machine tool is established to achieve minimum energy consumption of the machine tool feed system. Secondly, the feasible space meeting the requirements of collision avoidance of the cutter orientation and the travel limit of each movement axis are constructed in the machine tool coordinate system, and the change of rotation axis angle of the machine tool is restrained by introducing the rule curve of sinusoidal acceleration. Then, the smooth feasible cutter axis sequences are obtained with no rigid impact or flexible impact on the machine tool. Finally, a machining experiment is carried out, and the results show that the presented method can save the energy consumption of the feed system by an average of 3.36% as well as smoothing the cutting process.