Comparison of Milling Strategies when Machining Freeform Surfaces

Abstract

The article deals with comparison and evaluation of the milling strategies that are available in CAM systems and are used to produce components with freeform surfaces. For the purpose of the experiment, sample with freeform features was designed to employ different milling strategies when 3 axis machining. Evaluation of the milling strategies was carried out by surface roughness measurement, comparison of the actual machining time with a simulation time as well as visual control of the sample surface with a surface obtained in simulation. Acquired research results can be utilized within production process of tools with sculptured surfaces, such as tools for metal sheet forming, dies, molds for plastics and many others.