INFLUENCE OF TOOL PATH STRATEGIES ON MACHINING TIME USING THE BALL NOSE TOOL WHEN MILLING 3D SURFACES

Abstract

In machining flexible surfaces, machining processing costs can be reduced by several factors such as removed material workpieces, the choice of suitable cutting tools, optimal coolant and saving machining time. This paper proposes the effect of various toolpath methods for semi-finish operation on the machining time when milling 3D surfaces. An optimal selection of toolpath can cause remaking in the advance of time. The analysis and comparison of different toolpath strategies in 3D milling are investigated in order to choose the best strategies in different situations. The NX software, known as computer- aided manufacturing software, was used to evaluate the different toolpath strategies of three-axis milling. The experimental results clearly show the influence of the cutter path strategies on machining times and selecting the optimal strategy was based on a CAM software.