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Optimisation of free-form milling with ball-end tools through computational manufacturing

Project description

Improving free-form surface milling

Ball-end milling is the standard manufacturing process for finishing complex free-form (sculptured) surfaces in the aerospace, automotive and energy industries. However, it presents significant technical challenges regarding surface quality and accuracy due to variations in effective diameter, cutting speeds and tool orientation. With support from the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the CVISION project aims to improve the efficiency and precision of free-form surface milling through advanced computational manufacturing techniques. To do so, it will create an application programming interface to integrate predictive modelling with CAD/CAM software, leveraging simulation to determine optimal tool angles, paths and speeds. This will lead to improved process planning, reduced production time and less waste, thus increasing industry competitiveness.

Objective

Free-form surfaces are present in key industries such as aerospace, automotive, and energy, fulfilling both aesthetic and functional requirements. Ball-end milling is preferred for manufacturing due to its high efficiency and precision. However, the large number of variables makes the process challenging and not fully understood. The intermittent cutting characteristics, along with changes in tool-workpiece contact and variations in effective cutting speed, are some of the difficult aspects to predict that significantly impact surface quality and part accuracy. Additionally, depending on the tool orientation, the transition between ploughing and shearing as the predominant mechanisms can occur, with the transitional zone not being well understood. This research proposes the development of a robust methodology to integrate predictive mathematical models into commercial CAD/CAM software, enhancing the precision of ball-end milling of free-form geometries. The project will focus on understanding the cutting phenomena, particularly the transition between shearing and ploughing, and implementing cutter workpiece engagement (CWE), and the cutting forces within the CAM software environment for finishing operations with ball-end mills. The expected outcomes include new insights into the milling process, a robust methodology for modelling outputs, and the development of an API capable of predicting machining outcomes. This will provide tools for improving programming efficiency, reducing waste, and aligning with sustainability goals, thereby enhancing the academic understanding of the process and the competitiveness of the industry.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01

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Coordinator

INSTITUTO DE ENGENHARIA MECANICA
Net EU contribution
€ 191 343,12
Address
AVENIDA ROVISCO PAIS 1 INSTITUTO SUPERIOR TECNICO
1049-001 Lisboa
Portugal
Activity type
Research Organisations
Links
Total cost
No data