Kinematic analysis and feedrate optimization in six-axis NC abrasive belt grinding of blades

The purpose of this paper is to propose a kinematic analysis and optimization method for a kind of six-axis numerical control (NC) belt grinding machine tools when grinding blades. Six-axis NC abrasive belt grinding machine tools have been widely used for grinding blades in the aero engine manufacturing enterprises. Kinematic analysis and feedrate optimization play an important role in efficient machining with NC machine tools. After analyzing the basic kinematic relation of the six-axis NC abrasive belt grinding machine tool, coordinate systems are established to calculate the generalized kinematics model. The formulas of the rotary angles and the motion coordinates are provided by simultaneously transforming the three vectors which control the motions of the abrasive belt contact disk. An efficient strategy for feedrate optimization is developed to meet the accuracy requirements of blade abrasive belt grinding process. Both the load capacity of process system and the servo drive capability of machine tools are considered. The validity is demonstrated with simulations and experiments on a TX6-1000HV computer numerical control (CNC) machine tool.