A path planning method for error region grinding of aero-engine blades with free-form surface

In the finish machining of aero-engine blades, the error of some partial area may exceed the design tolerance forming error region. The paper presents a path planning method of belt grinding for error region. Firstly, the process of error region grinding and the configuration of abrasive belt wheel are indicated. Then, error distribution and error region are obtained based on design tolerance and data processing. There are leading angle and screw angle defined to determine abrasive belt wheel location and orientation due to contact situation between abrasive belt wheel and blade surface. In addition, the grinding path is corrected and the locations are interpolated to determine the final path which guarantees to cover the entire error region and grinding steadily. At last, a simulation on VERICUT software and a blade grinding experiment are implemented to verify the present method which improves machining efficiency and machining accuracy.