Light PhD Seminar: Curve-guided multi-pass 5-axis CNC flank milling of free-form surfaces using conical tools

Location: Maryam Mirzakhani Seminar Room

Title
Curve-guided multi-pass 5-axis CNC flank milling of free-form surfaces using conical tools

Abstract
5-axis computer numerically controlled (CNC) machining is a leading manufacturing technology for manufacturing of curved, aka free-form, objects that need to be stiff and carved from a single, typically metallic, material block. Flank milling is the
finishing stage of this manufacturing process, and usually very fine tolerances of few micrometers are required. Another challenge is connectivity between the neighbouring milling paths. Typically, the millings paths have tiny gaps and/or overlap which produces artifacts in the workpiece and makes the surface finish less perfect. In this work, we aim at flank milling using conical tools where the neighbouring envelopes are joined in G1 fashion. That is, the given object is approximated by patches, envelopes of the moving tool, such that the patches share the surface normal along common boundary curves. Our framework supports the shape of the conical tool to be either an input or a variable. We demonstrate our approach on synthetic examples and benchmark industrial datasets, giving the user control over the machining accuracy vs. the G1 continuity property.