The Tool Path Tolerance Setting with Respect to Accuracy During 3axis Milling

Marek Sadilek, Robert Cep, Lenka Cepova, Lukas Kusnir, Patrik Sniehotta

Article describes CNC milling center programing during 3 axis finish milling. Article is focused on setting the tolerance of toolpaths during finish milling in CAM systems. Finding of suitable toolpaths during finish milling is very time consuming and can be expensive.

Target is to recommend specific settings of tolerance in CAM system with the respect to achieved accuracy, machining time, surface roughness and quantity of NC blocks. The aim is also to compare the practical results of machining with predicted simulation.

The methodology evaluating this problem is based on the following steps: experimental sample design for 3axis milling, accuracy prediction of machined samples, production of samples using CNC milling center, analysis of accuracy and surface roughness with respect to shape of workpiece.

The result is the variance of shape accuracy deviations from the specified CAD model of the workpiece, focused on individual areas of its shape. The research results show milled surface errors depending on the toolpath tolerances. It is not preferred to set very low tolerance in the CAM system with respect to increasing machining time.

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