Tool path generation via the multi-criteria optimisation for flat-end milling of sculptured surfaces
提出一种优化平头铣刀加工雕刻曲面时刀具路径的方法，通过同时优化刀具倾角、旋转角和进给方向，最大化加工宽度并避免干涉，适用于复杂曲面加工路径规划。
A method of generating optimal tool paths for sculptured surface machining with flat-end cutters is presented in this paper. The inclination and tilt angles, as well as the feed directions of the cutter at each cutter contact point on a machining path are optimised as a whole so that the machining width of the tool path can be as large as possible, and concerns such as smooth cutter motion, gouging avoidance, scallop height and machining widths overlap are also considered when calculating a path. A multi-criteria tool path optimisation model is introduced, and it is converted into a single objective optimisation with the weighted sum method. The Differential Evolution (DE) algorithm is suitable for solving this highly non-linear problem. However, the searching process of the DE algorithm may be trapped in local minima due to large number of design variables. Therefore, an algorithm combining the DE algorithm and the sequence linear programming algorithm is developed to solve this optimisation model. The proposed method is applied to two freeform surfaces to illustrate its effectiveness.