Five-axis NC milling of ruled surfaces: Optimal geometry of a conical tool

Abstract

The Side milling of ruled surfaces using a conical milling cutter was studied. This is a field that has largely been ignored by research scientists, but it is much used in industry, especially to machine turbine blades. In this study, we first suggest an improved positioning with respect to the directrices of the ruled surface. As compared with the methods already developed for the cylindrical cutter, this positioning enables the error between the cutter and the work-piece to be reduced. An algorithm is then introduced to calculate error so one can determine the cutter dimensions (cone radius and angle) in order to respect the tolerance interval imposed by the design office. This study provides an opportunity to determine cutters with greater dimensions, thus alleviating bending problems during milling.