Tool Path Planning and machining experiment for a centrifugal impeller based on five-axis machine tool

An impeller is the core of aviation engine components, the processing quality have a decisive impact on the performance of the engine. An impeller is one of most important basic components of centrifugal compressor. However, it is very difficult to machine and model because of the twisted blades. For such geometric complexity, it is the general practice to adopt five-axis machining. Based on the actual engineering data, pro/Engineer software is applied to produce three-dimensional geometric model of the integrated impeller, some general principles followed by machining and modeling the impeller are brought forward. Furthermore, analysis and research were made for tool path of the integrated impeller machining. NC program is exported successfully to DEMAGE five-axis machine from PowerMill software where machining verification as a centrifugal impeller example was carried on. The results of verification show that the machining methodology and procedure adopted are successful.