Optimizing Machining Allowance for Thin-Walled Aerospace Parts with Multi-Milling Features

Clamping complex and irregular preformed blanks can be challenging and time-consuming, especially when it comes to precise workpiece locating and allocating machining allowance to curved surfaces. The proposed method aims to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the clamping process. This paper presents a method for complex workpiece locating and machining allowance allocation based on scanned 3D point cloud. An edge detection method is introduced for the workpiece point cloud to preserve its essential features, enabling precise global alignment between the scanned point cloud and CAD models. Additionally, a method is proposed for extracting multiple machining areas from the point cloud, calculating allowances, and optimizing the process coordination to allocate machining allowance effectively. The experimental results show that the machining allowance range is reduced by 77.71% after compensation, and the average machining allowance of the worst machining area increases by up to 29.69% compared to the iterative closest point method.