Development and application of parametric design system for solid end mills based on Open CASCADE

Abstract The traditional commercial CAD software is well developed and powerful, and has been widely used in the design of integral end mills. With the development of tool design towards system integration, designers put forward the requirements of specialization and lightweight for CAD software. The secondary development of CAD software has become the main development direction, which can realize the integration of CAD, CAM and CAE software. However, due to factors such as kernel and interface, the effect of this integration is limited and the secondary development can no longer meet the current needs of rapid and accurate tool design. Therefore, the development of an independent CAD software is more conducive to the integration of tool design systems. In order to build a lightweight and easy integrated cutting tool CAD software, this paper implements the parametric design of solid end mill based on Open CASCADE. Using Python as the underlying language and Python OCC modeling interface and model visualization function, the parametric design system of solid end mill is established. The system can quickly and accurately generate data files, 2D graphics and 3D models conforming to ISO13399 standard, and realize the cloud storage function of model data. The generated tool model data can be used for finite element simulation of cutting process, NC programming and connection with tool manufacturing module. Based on the established system, the centroid optimization of the imbalance characteristics of the variable pitch and helix solid end mill was carried out, and the dynamic balance of this type of cutter was improved. The establishment of the system provides a reference value for the development of other types of cutting tool parametric design systems.