Patent ID: 6428252
Filing Date: 2002-08-06
Classification: B23C,B23Q,G05B,Y10T

Abstract:
A method adapted for use with a CNC machine for machining parts to a desired size and shape from a work piece, said machine having a power rotated cutter and control means for moving said cutter in three orthogonal directions, said method comprising the steps of:(A) selecting a first cutter having a diameter for cutting the work piece; (B) establishing a minimum life for said selected cutter; (C) establishing the maximum permissible continuous angular engagement between said selected cutter and said work piece to enable said selected cutter to achieve said minimum life;. (D) generating a cutter path for machining said work piece to proximate said desired size and shape with said selected cutter; (E) determining the maximum angular engagement between said selected cutter and said work piece as the cutter travels through said path; (F) identifying those portions of said path in which the angular engagement exceeds said maximum permissible angular engagement; (G) if such portions are identified, selecting one of (i) increasing the minimum turning radius in those identified portions of the path to define a modified cutter path such that the angular engagement therein does not exceed said maximum permissible angular engagement or (ii) selecting a second cutter having a diameter less than said first cutter and repeating said establishing, generating, determining, and identifying steps and this step until no such portions are identified; (H) rough-machining the part utilizing the cutter path and cutter resulting from said selecting, establishing, determining and identifying steps; and (I) finish-machining the part to the predetermined size and shape.