The application of high-speed CNC machining to prototype production

摘要

This paper describes the application of high-speed milling to the production of monolithic, metallic, functional prototypes, with special emphasis placed on the applicable process times. An example component is selected and the relevant process times are presented. Fundamental requirements for the use of high-speed milling to produce prototypes in a timely manner are identified. These requirements include: 1) high speed/high power spindles, 2) proper spindle speed selection based on the system dynamics, 3) machining parameter definition based on tool wear, 4) high feed/high acceleration machine drives, 5) intelligent path generation, and 6) pre-process verification of arbitrary three-dimensional CNC part paths. The implementation of the Simultaneous Trilateration Laser Ball Bar (STLBB) system to measure the CNC part paths is described and the device verification procedure is outlined. Example two and three-dimensional path measurements are also shown.