Patent ID: 6942436
Filing Date: 2005-09-13
Classification: G05B,Y02P,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for generating an NC program for performing predetermined machining of a workpiece using an end mill, said NC program determining a tool path of said end mill with respect to said workpiece and a feed rate in each portion of said tool path, said method comprising: a first step of replacing a required machining shape of said workpiece with a predetermined canned machining cycle depending on a specification of machining conditions including a machining start point, a machining end point, and the size of an end mill to be used; a second step of calculating an estimated value of cutting force exerted on said end mill of an assumed tool path during said replaced canned machining cycle by using a response surface methodology based on a response surface depending on two or three explanation variables from among a maximum undeformed chip thickness, a cutting arc length, and an active angle of the end mill with respect to the workpiece; a third step of comparing the estimated value of the calculated cutting force with a predetermined range of values; a fourth step of determining a tool path of said end mill by repeating said second and third steps while changing said maximum undeformed chip thickness, cutting arc length, or active angle until said estimated value is within said predetermined range of values, and determining a feed rate of said end mill so as to keep cutting force alone said determined tool path to be constant; and a fifth step of repeating said second step through said fourth step at each machining cycle portion from a machining cycle in which a tool path of said end mill starts from said machining start point and reaches said machining end point.