Operation Planning Based on Cutting Process Models

This paper describes model based operation planning for pocket milling operations. The tool path and cutting conditions are determined based on the geometric model of workpieces and the physical models of the cutting process. The tool path is generated by using the Voronoi diagram of a cutting area. Cutting conditions to achieve the maximum metal removal rate are determined by evaluating the physical models of cutting torque, chatter vibration, and machining error. To maintain a favorable cutting state, the radial depth of cut is controlled by modifying the tool path distance at the circle path segment and by adding additional tool path segments at the corner. Examples are shown to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method.