The CAM System for Scroll Profile with Three CNC Interpolations

The scroll profile is complex with involute curve and high precision is required. Owing to the interpolation method has significant effects on the dynamic behaviour and to obtain the flexibility of the machining, this paper focuses on the development of a computer-aided manufacturing methodology for precision scroll by the combination of curve fitting and CNC interpolation. In this paper, the method for design and manufacture of the scroll profile is established based on the differential geometry and the enveloping theory. The cutter location using the cylindrical end mill is derived and the cutting path sequences are planned. Three types curve fitting methods: linear fitting, circular biarcs curve fitting, and NURBS curve fitting are adopted to approximate the toolpath of the scroll profile. The error control is used as the basis for generating appropriate toolpath to ensure the machining accuracy. The circular biarcs fitting and NURBS curve fitting can obtain continuous smooth toolpath. In the identical chordal deviation, the circular biarcs curve fitting provides the best performance. The toolpath generated by the proposed method is verified through the solid cutting simulation and the trial-cut on a three-axis machine tool.