Tool deflection error regularization and compensation in end milling of contour surfaces

This paper presents a new approach of tool deflection error regularization and compensation in end milling of contour surfaces. The material removal rate (MRR) is adopted as the dominant factor of surface dimensional error. A mathematics model of determining the MRR in generalized contour surfaces machining is proposed. Feedrate scheduling methodology is applied to regulate a constant MRR along curved tool path. The expectation with the constant MRR is that it will potentially produce a constant surface dimensional error. Thus, the compensation can be conveniently achieved by offsetting the nominal finishing path. The desired MRR and corresponding offsetting value of finishing tool path are determined by a peripheral milling test. Machining results obtained in this study reveal that the proposed approach can significantly reduce the surface dimensional error and the smooth variation of feedrate can get a few variation of surface dimensional error. Comparing to the existing methods, the time-consuming iterative process in error compensation is omitted.