Patent ID: 6341996
Filing Date: 2002-01-29
Classification: B24B,G05B

Abstract:
A tool grinding simulation system for a multi axis computer numerically controlled (CNC) tool grinding machine having at least one movable grinding wheel movable relative to at least four programmable axes for operating on a workpiece;said CNC tool grinding machine being programmed to perform a sequential series of discrete operations in a predetermined sequence to control movement of the grinding wheel along a programmed path; said CNC tool grinding machine including a grinding machine tool programming system to generate data representing information about the grinding wheel, the workpiece and the programmed path; wherein the simulation system includes: processing means for processing the data generated by the grinding machine tool programming system to produce three-dimensional images of the workpiece as it would appear during and after operating of the grinding wheel upon the workpiece in accordance with the programmed path; a visual display unit (VDU) for displaying the three-dimensional images; and manipulation and control means for manipulating and controlling the appearance of the three-dimensional images on the visual display unit; the processing means including calculation means which calculates envelope data representing the skin of the solid volume occupied by the grinding wheel during its motion along the programmed path, the solid volume of the grinding wheel being composed of cylindrical, conical and toroidal surfaces of revolution and combinations thereof, the envelope data being subtracted from blank data representing the shape of the workpiece prior to operation of the grinding wheel upon the workpiece to produce swept surface data representing the position and properties of the surface of the workpiece as it would appear during and after operating of the grinding wheel on the workpiece.