5-axis double-flank CNC machining of spiral bevel gears via custom-shaped tools – Part II: physical validations and experiments

Recently, a new methodology for 5-axis flank computer numerically controlled (CNC) machining, called double-flank machining, has been introduced (see “5-axis double-flank CNC machining of spiral bevel gears via custom-shaped milling tools–Part I: Modeling and simulation”). Certain geometries, such a...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Authors: Gomez, G., Bo, P., Gonzalez, H., Calleja, A., Barton, M., Lopez de Lacalle, N.
Format: article
Status:Versión aceptada para publicación
Publication Date:2021
Country:España
Institution:Basque Center for Applied Mathematics (BCAM)
Repository:BIRD. BCAM's Institutional Repository Data
OAI Identifier:oai:bird.bcamath.org:20.500.11824/1354
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11824/1354
Access Level:Open access
Keyword:5-axis CNC machining
double-flank machining
custom-shaped tools
semifinishing operations
tangential movability
free-form shape manufacturing
Description
Summary:Recently, a new methodology for 5-axis flank computer numerically controlled (CNC) machining, called double-flank machining, has been introduced (see “5-axis double-flank CNC machining of spiral bevel gears via custom-shaped milling tools–Part I: Modeling and simulation”). Certain geometries, such as curved teeth of spiral bevel gear, admit this approach where the machining tool has tangential contact with the material block on two sides, yielding a more efficient variant of flank machining. To achieve high machining accuracy, the path-planning algorithm, however, does not look only for the path of the tool, but also for the shape of the tool itself. The proposed approach is validated by series of physical experiments using an abrasive custom-shaped tool specifically designed for a particular type of a spiral bevel gear. The potential of this new methodology is shown in the semifinishing stage of gear manufacturing, where it outperforms traditional ball end milling by an order of magnitude in terms of machining time, while keeping, or even improving, the machining error.