Accurate 5-axis machining of twisted ruled surfaces

Flank cutting can be effectively employed to machine ruled surfaces instead of traditional point cutting. In consideration of reducing discrepancies b etween designed and machined twisted ruled surfaces, an analytical model is established to account for undercutting incurred in flank milling by the u se of cylindrical cutters. Based on the model, the twist angle, the ruling length, and the size of the used cutter relating to the magnitude of underc utting are observed. By flank milling twisted ruled blade surfaces of an im peller an application example is given to show the developed 5-axis flank m illing technique based on a type of a 5-axis machine tool.