Development of tool-path generation module for 5-axis control machining of impellers

Abstract

An impeller is difficult to machine because of severe collision due to the complex shape, overlapping and twisted shape of the impeller blades. So, most computer aided manufacturing (CAM) software companies have developed CAM module for manufacturing impeller according to their CAM software. But these dedicated modules are difficult to use for inexperienced users. The purpose of this work is to develop a tool-path generation module for impellers. For this purpose, it is based on Visual Basic language and used CATIA graphical environment. The result of simulation for generated tool-path by the module is satisfactory. And it has slow processing speed compared to other commercial modules, but it is easy to use.

Keywords

impeller / computer aided manufacturing / 5-axis control machining / tool path / module

References

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