TOOL PATH GENERATION AND ERROR CONTROL METHOD FOR MULTIAXIS NC MACHINING OF SPATIAL CAM

In this paper, based on the homogeneous coordinate transformation and conjugate surface theory, a tool path generation method is developed f or generating spatial cam in order to establish the interface between the design and manufacture of this class of product. The mathematical error (chordal deviation) between the design and manufacture surface h as been analysed and used as a basis for selecting the tool path contr ol point. Moreover, the developed tool path generation method is verif ied through a cutting simulation software with solid model. It is also verified through the trial cut with model materials on a Ave-axis num erical controlled machine. The results show that the mathematical erro r of the cam surface can be controlled within given tolerance by the p roposed method. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.