Simulation and optimization of cutting tools for the pockets machining in 2D1/2

Abstract The manufacturing time minimization is a major objective to be taken into account since the selection of machining parameters. The cutting tool diameter is one of the parameters which influence enormously the machining time of the different geometric shapes, and in particular, the pockets. In this paper, we developed an optimizing methodology of the cutting tools selection for the quadrilateral pockets machining in 2D1⁄2. For this, we developed some analytic models expressing the path length of the cutting tool. Then, we structured an optimizing method based on the cutting time minimization. A simulation data processing tool was developed by means of MATLAB software, which generates the cutting tool optimal diameter from the pocket geometric information. To validate our approach, we treated an application example of an ordinary quadrilateral pocket in 2D1⁄2. (Received in May 2005, accepted in August 2005. This paper was with the authors 1 month for 2 revisions.)