Study And Implementation On Algorithms Of ToolPath Generation For Typical Machining Features Of Aircraft Structural Part

Machining based on the features is one of tendency of NC machining technology, and an important portion for CAD/CAPP/CAM integration in the manufacturing enterprises. Because of selecting geometry features repeatedly, random programming and bad integration during NC programming for the aircraft frame part, the technology of rapid programming based on feature is studied to implement auto-generation of the toolpath for typical machining features of aircraft frame part. The main contents and achievements are followed:1) The typical machining features of aircraft frame part are summarized and the frame of NC programming system based on feature is built. Auto-generation of the toolpath for typical machining feature will be implemented, based on the integration of the massages from feature recognition and process planning.2) An algorithm of plunge-milling oriented boundary corners is proposed. The residual areas of boundary corners after preceding machining is machined quickly without overcutting by 3-aixs or 5-aixs NC machining due to the different types of boundary corner features.3) A toolpath generation algorithm for rid feature of aircraft frame part is proposed. The toolpath generated by the algorithm will be standard and optimal by inserting the process knowledge and programming experience. Different rid features carry with their corresponding algorithms.4) Based on above research, plunge-milling module oriented boundary corners feature and rid feature machining module are developed on CATIA , which have been applied in an aeronautical corporation. These modules implement auto-generation of NC toolpath for machining features of aircraft frame part, and have been proved efficiency.