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Selecting an Optimal Tool Sequence for 2.5D Pocket Machining while Considering Tool Holder Collisions

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Abstract

Milling using a sequence of tools has become very attractive with the advent of rapid tool change mechanisms in modern CNC machines. However, the commercial CAM systems used to generate G&M code rely on experienced process planners to select a good tool sequence. When a tool sequence is selected and tool paths are generated, NC-verify systems are used to check the tool paths for tool holder collisions. If tool holder collisions are detected, the part has to be re-planned ab-initio. In this paper, we describe a method to select an optimal tool sequence by formulating the problem under certain assumptions as the shortest path solution to a single source directed acyclic graph. Also described is a method to incorporate tool holder solution in the context of selecting an optimal tool sequence. Examples have been worked out to illustrate the workings of the algorithm.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics, Michigan Technological University, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI, 49931, USA

    Roshan M. D’Souza

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  1. Roshan M. D’Souza
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Correspondence to Roshan M. D’Souza.

Additional information

Received: February 2005 / Accepted: September 2005

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D’Souza, R.M. Selecting an Optimal Tool Sequence for 2.5D Pocket Machining while Considering Tool Holder Collisions. J Intell Manuf 17, 363–372 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10845-005-0009-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10845-005-0009-6

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