1. A GPU-based algorithm for generating collision-free and orientation-smooth five-axis finishing tool paths of a ball-end cutter.
- Author
-
Bi, Qing-Zhen, Wang, Yu-Han, and Ding, Han
- Subjects
GRAPHICS processing units ,COMPUTER algorithms ,MACHINE tool design ,COLLISION detection (Computer animation) ,MACHINING ,GEOMETRIC shapes - Abstract
A graphics process unit (GPU) based approach that generates collision-free and orientation-smooth tool paths for five-axis NC finishing machining of complicated shapes is presented. A new GPU-based method is proposed to compute accessibility cones of cutter location (CL) points for a ball-end cutter and tool orientations are then optimised in the accessibility cones. Three steps in the approach are GPU-based accessibility computation, feasibility map and orientation optimisation. Unlike the existing visibility concept, the diameters of both tools and tool-holders are taken into consideration and the actual accessibility cone is computed directly and efficiently based on occlusion query functionality of the graphics hardware. Next, a feasibility map is used to select feasible orientations due to the limits of collision avoidance and the machine tool. Finally, tool orientations are globally optimised to generate an orientation-smooth tool path. The proposed algorithms allow an acceptable computing time and hardware requirement to generate collision-free and orientation-smooth tool paths for complicated shapes. Examples show the efficiency of computing accessibility cones. The finishing tool paths for machining an impeller are generated as examples and cutting experiments confirm the validity of the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2010
- Full Text
- View/download PDF