In the processing of complex surfaces, the effective application of CNC turret and reasonable tool path planning are the key to ensuring processing accuracy and efficiency.
First, the selection of tools is crucial. According to the shape characteristics and processing requirements of complex surfaces, it is necessary to select appropriate tool types and geometric parameters. For example, ball-end milling cutters are often used for surface finishing, which can better fit the surface contour and reduce processing residues. The radius of the tool should be matched according to the curvature radius of the surface to avoid interference between the tool and the surface or excessive cutting force during processing. At the same time, the material of the tool should have high hardness, high heat resistance and good wear resistance to cope with long-term cutting and complex force conditions in complex surface processing, ensure the stability and durability of the tool during processing, reduce the number of tool changes, and improve processing efficiency.
Secondly, tool path planning is the core link. The use of layered cutting strategy can effectively control processing accuracy and cutting load. According to the shape and accuracy requirements of the surface, the processing process is divided into several layers, and the appropriate cutting depth is set for each layer. In each layer of cutting, the tool path is planned using the equal parameter line method or the ring cutting method. The isoparametric line method cuts along the parameter line of the surface, which can better ensure the shape accuracy of the surface, but the tool path may be uneven in places where the curvature changes greatly; the circular cutting method performs circular cutting around the surface contour, and the tool path is relatively uniform, but special treatment may be required to avoid tool interference when processing complex concave surfaces. The comprehensive use of multiple path planning methods and optimization combined with the specific characteristics of the surface can achieve efficient and high-precision processing. For example, when processing a complex surface with steep and gentle areas, the circular cutting method is first used to rough the steep area, and then the isoparametric line method is used to fine-process the gentle area. This can quickly remove a large amount of excess and ensure the final processing quality of the surface.
In addition, the tool change point setting and tool exchange sequence of the CNC turret also need to be carefully planned. Reasonable tool change point position can reduce the tool idle travel time and improve processing efficiency. During the processing process, according to the tool use frequency and processing sequence, the arrangement position of the tool in the turret is optimized to make the tool exchange process fast and smooth. For example, frequently used tools are placed in a position where the turret can be quickly grasped, and tool change instructions are reasonably arranged in the program to ensure that the tool change time is minimized and the machine tool downtime waiting time is reduced without affecting the processing accuracy, thereby improving the efficiency of the entire processing process.
Finally, real-time monitoring and dynamic adjustment during the processing are indispensable. Since the cutting force, tool wear and other conditions are constantly changing during the processing of complex curved surfaces, the cutting force, tool vibration and other parameters are monitored in real time through sensors installed on the CNC machine tool. Once an abnormality is found, such as excessive cutting force, increased tool wear, etc., the cutting parameters are adjusted in time, such as reducing the cutting speed, reducing the feed rate, or performing tool compensation to ensure the smooth progress of the processing and the stability of the processing quality. At the same time, the tool path is dynamically optimized according to the monitoring data, such as appropriately adjusting the tool trajectory after the tool is worn, so that the subsequent processing can better adapt to the changes in the tool state, ensuring that the accuracy and surface quality of complex curved surface processing meet the requirements.
