Title: An approach to tool path planning for layered plunge milling of free-form surface impeller channel

Authors: Ying Zhang; Dinghua Zhang; Feiyan Han

Addresses: Key Laboratory of Contemporary Design and Integrated Manufacturing Technology, Ministry of Education, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China ' Key Laboratory of Contemporary Design and Integrated Manufacturing Technology, Ministry of Education, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China ' Key Laboratory of Contemporary Design and Integrated Manufacturing Technology, Ministry of Education, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China

Abstract: Impeller is widely used in modern industry and plunge milling is considered as the most effective way for rough machining of impeller channel. However, for extremely twisted blade, single layer milling may easily cause large machining allowance, which will influence cutting efficiency seriously. Therefore, a new approach to tool path planning for layered plunge milling of free-form surface impeller channel is presented. Firstly, a feasible method of machinability analysis of channel is given. Secondly, the layered model of plunge milling which relative to the maximum tool and tool length is constructed. And then according to the model, tool path of layered plunge milling could be planned. Finally, the generated tool path of single layer and layered plunge milling are simulated. Simulation result shows that the approach is appropriate and feasible to reduce the machining allowance and reduce the working load for the following semi-finishing and finishing milling. [Received 30 September 2016; Revised 15 November 2016; Accepted 18 January 2017]

Keywords: impeller channel; free-form surface; tool path planning; plunge milling; machinability analysis.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMR.2017.083653

International Journal of Manufacturing Research, 2017 Vol.12 No.1, pp.131 - 144

Received: 30 Apr 2016
Accepted: 08 Nov 2016

Published online: 13 Apr 2017 *

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