Optimisation of Multiple Tool CNC Rough Machining of a Hemisphere as a Genetic Algorithm Paradigm Application

• DOI: 10.1007/s001700200230
• Publication Date: 2003-03-24T21:54:03Z
• Authors: G.-C. Vosniakos; A. Krimpenis
• Keywords: 0203 mechanical engineering; 02 engineering and technology

This work presents the development of a method to achieve optimal roughing of a hemisphere in terms of least machining time and maximum material removal from the original material block. This is considered as a problem formulation case study in the field of genetic algorithm applications - a preamble to more complex and generic geometry. A genetic algorithm is used off-the-shelf as an optimisation tool. Three different process parameters are used to model the problem : the number of scallops, the height of each scallop, and the tools used. Multiple tools are considered, in particular their diameters, maximum depths of cut and maximum feed allowed, as defined in a tool database, whereas the strategy of the tool path on each slice (but not the path details) is taken as known. Fitness functions that can be used independently or combined are the cutting time and the remaining material. The proposed method results in a concentrated result table containing the sequence of the tools employed and the corresponding scallop heights.