Impact of different CAM strategies and cutting parameters on machining free-form surfaces with ball-end milling tools in terms of micro and macro accuracy

Abstract

The use of free-form surfaces is becoming more common in everyday life. Ergonomic, aesthetic, aerodynamic and fluid dynamics aspects also help their spread. The paper examines the CAM aspects of machining the free-form surfaces with a ball-end milling tool. Different CAM strategies create different toolpaths. This makes it possible to examine the effect of the machining direction on the surface roughness, the shape accuracy and the profile error. Changes in cutting parameters have an effect on these properties too, which have been investigated. During the production of the test pieces, the milling forces were measured, from which important conclusions can also be drawn.