Method of creating NC program for pocket machining

Boots – shoes – and leggings

Patent

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

364191, 36447427, 36447429, 36447433, G05B 19405

Patent

active

049492705

DESCRIPTION:

BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a method of creating an NC program for pocket machining and, more particularly, to an NC program creation method through which an NC program for pocket machining is created in conversational fashion.
2. Description of the Related Art
Machining (pocket machining) for hollowing out the interior of a profile outline down to a predetermined depth includes such methods as ordinary linear unidirectional cutting, linear zigzag cutting and spiral cutting. In linear unidirectional cutting, the interior of the profile outline is machined by moving a tool in one direction at all times [see FIG. 13(a)]. In linear zigzag cutting, the interior of the profile outline is machined continuously not only in an outward direction but in a return direction as well [see FIG. 13(b)]. In spiral cutting, the interior of the profile outline is machined by moving a tool along offset paths each inwardly offset a predetermined amount from the profile outline [see FIG. 13(c)].
In the prior art, an NC program for such pocket machining is created by automatically deciding the tool path, which is performed upon inputting the profile outline, the pocket machining method (one of the cutting methods of FIGS. 1 through 3), the cutting direction, cut-in direction, finishing allowance, remaining thickness, spindle rotational speed, cutting velocity, tool diameter and the like.
In this conventional method, however, considerable time is required for NC program creation when the profile is a complicated one, and the tool paths includes needless paths (paths which do not contribute to cutting). As a result, cutting efficiency is poor.
FIG. 14 illustrates a tool path 2 for a case in which the interior of a profile 1 is machined by linear zigzag cutting. The portions indicated by the dashed lines do not participate in cutting and represent wasted motion. FIG. 15 illustrates a tool path 3 for a case in which the interior of the profile 1 is machined by spiral cutting. The tool path is complicated, a considerable period of time is required to obtain the tool path, and the cutting time is prolonged.
FIG. 16 illustrates a tool path 4 which is ideal for cutting the interior of the profile 1. The tool path does not contain unneeded path segments and cutting efficiency is high. A method of creating a tool path such as shown in FIG. 16 is not available in the prior art and, as a result, the machining carried out exhibits a poor cutting efficiency.


SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide an NC program creation method through which an NC program for pocket machining having a high cutting efficiency can be created in a simple manner.
The method of the invention includes displaying a profile outline and a graphic cursor on a display screen, adopting points, which are obtained on the display screen by successively positioning the graphic cursor and inputting its coordinates at starting points and end points of linear cutting or circular arc cutting, displaying a tool shape having a designated diameter at the inputted points, displaying a tool path by successively connecting the inputted points by straight lines or circular arcs, and creating an NC program for moving a tool along the tool path to perform pocket machining.


BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an NC apparatus for practicing the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a flowchart of processing according to the invention;
FIGS. 3 through 12 are examples of conversational displays according to the invention;
FIGS. 13(a), 13(b), 13(c), 14 and 15 are views for explaining pocket machining according to the prior art; and
FIG. 16 is a view for explaining pocket machining along an optimum tool path.


DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an NC apparatus for practicing the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a flowchart of processing for NC program creation according to the invention.
In FIG. 1, numeral 11 denotes an automatic programming section,

REFERENCES:
patent: 4575791 (1986-03-01), Schwefel
patent: 4627003 (1986-12-01), Kishi et al.
patent: 4802083 (1989-01-01), Isobe et al.

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for the USA inventors and patents. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Method of creating NC program for pocket machining does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Method of creating NC program for pocket machining, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method of creating NC program for pocket machining will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-467565

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.