Comparison between multi-point and other 5-axis tool positioning strategies

A method of generating sculptured surfaces at multiple points of contact between the tool and the workpiece was developed and proven viable by the current authors in previous work. They denoted this finish machining method, Multi Point Machining, or simply MPM. This paper compares MPM with two other fi-axis tool positioning strategies; namely: the inclined tool, and the principal axis method. It is also compared with 3-axis ball nose machining. Comparisons are conducted using computer simulations and experimental cutting tests. Results obtained-show that MPM produced scallop heights that are much smaller than those produced by the other tool positioning strategies. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.