Cutting Time Optimization Using Technology for CNC Machines

The paper considers a problem of cutting tool route formation in a generalized formulation. The paper also proposes a mathematical model of total cutting time minimization based on standard, chained and common cutting technologies. Simple and combined equidistant types of transitions between equidistant (cutting and idle), as well as the entry points (insertions) and exits (ejections) of the cutting instrument, are used as technological limitations. Total cutting time equals to the sum of idle moves, total stroke time and the amount of time spent on material insertion and cutting initialization. The problem is solved in two main steps. First step (preliminary) includes determining areas of common cutting and equidistant contours generation, considering information about common cutting. Second step (optimization) includes creation of entry and exit points array, followed by optimization working stroke and idle moves ratio, as well as optimization of entry points count to minimize total cutting time. Algorithms for determining common cutting areas and generation common equidistant are shown. The proposed model has been tested via "ITAS NESTING" software complex. The Great Deluge Algorithm has been used for computing experiment conduction. The results of experiment obtained using waterjet instrument shows that common cutting technology usage leads to shortening of total cutting time due to reduction of idle moves and number of needed entry points.