Experiences with Hexapod-Based Machine Tool

Abstract

The importance of high-speed cutting in the field of manufacturing engineering has grown in the recent past. Higher cutting velocities and feedrates have allowed a reduction in machining times and/or an increase in workpiece precision, for example, due to narrower line spacing during the milling process. Die and mould making represents one field of application for high-speed cutting, whereby high-speed milling is frequently employed for finish-machining. Thus, the more narrow line spacing enables re-machining to be reduced significantly. The cutting velocities for machining tempered and heat-treated steels are in the range of 1,000 m/min, and the feedrates between 5 and 10 m/min. A survey conducted among various die and mould makers in Germany indicated that dimensional and shape tolerances generally amount to less than 50 µm. Unmachined workpieces for die and mould making processes typically possess a high proportion of freeform surfaces. In terms of roughing depth and manufacturing time, considerable advantages can be gained through employing five-axes milling, the five-axes method makes for superior machining in terms both og technology and economy [1,2]