Five-axis flank milling tool path generation with curvature continuity and smooth cutting force for pockets

In order to ensure machining stability, curvature continuity and smooth cutting force are very important so as to meet the constraints of both cutting force and kinematics of machine tools. For five-axis flank milling, it is difficult to meet both of the constraints because tool path points and tool axis vectors interact with each other. In this paper, multiple relationships between tool path points and tool axis vectors with cutting force and kinematics of machine tools are established, and the strategies of corner-looping milling and clothoidal spirals are combined so as to find feasible solutions under both of the constraints. Tool path parameters are iterated by considering the maximum cutting force and the feasible range of the tool axis vector, and eventually a curvature continuity five-axis flank milling tool path with smooth cutting force is generated. Machining experimental results show that the conditions of cutting force are satisfied, vibration during the process of machining is reduced, and the machining quality of the surface is improved.