CNC machining strategies

CNC machine tools, with their significant advances in the CAD linked NC programming systems, provide a consistent and flexible method of manufacture. The NC programmer, when faced with the task of converting a product design into a machined component, has to consider how the part will be located and restrained, decide how to machine the material into the finished form, choose the cutting tools, and finally prepare the NC program. It is the second and third stages, namely the machining strategy and cutting tool selection, that the major cost implications are encountered, The respective cutting times of alternative machining strategies may differ considerably and hence affect the productivity of the job. Current CAD/CAM systems have limited facilities to support the choice of different machining strategies. This paper reviews the previous work in the machining strategy field and presents a new model for the motion of a milling cutter as it generates a corner.