Process parameters optimization of thin-wall machining for wire arc additive manufactured parts

Abstract

Additive manufacturing (AM) is an arising production process due to the possibility to produce monolithic components with complex shapes with one single process and without the need for special tooling. AM-produced parts still often require a machining phase, since their surface finish is not compliant with the strict requirements of the most advanced markets, such as aerospace, energy, and defense. Since reduced weight is a key requirement for these parts, they feature thin walls and webs, usually characterized by low stiffness, requiring the usage of low productivity machining parameters. The idea of this paper is to set up an approach which is able to predict the dynamics of a thin-walled part produced using AM. The knowledge of the workpiece dynamics evolution throughout the machining process can be used to carry out cutting parameter optimization with different objectives (e.g., chatter avoidance, force vibrations reduction). The developed approach exploits finite element (FE) analysis to predict the workpiece dynamics during the machining process, updating its changing geometry. The developed solution can automatically optimize the toolpath for the machining operation, generated by any Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software updating spindle speed in accordance with the selected optimization strategies. The developed approach was tested using as a test case an airfoil.