Tool orientation control using quaternion interpolation in multi-axis milling of blade

Focusing on the tool orientation control in multi-axis milling of freeform surface blade, quaternion interpolation method is employed to get smooth and collision-free tool orientation. Presented tool orientation planning method is based on the blade's shape features; it can avoid collision between the tool and the platform surface. Tool orientations on the boundary curves of the machining area are interpolated by the quaternion interpolation algorithm, and tool orientation for every cutter-contact point on the suction surface and pressure surface are interpolated with tool orientations of the boundaries. Therefore, the interpolation procedures are performed in two different directions of the blade surface. Analysis of examples show that tool orientations interpolated by quaternion interpolation algorithms change smoothly, it can enable steady movement of the machine tool. Furthermore, it can improve the machining efficiency as well as decrease the workload and difficulty of the clean-up of platform surface by the quaternion interpolation algorithm, thus to contribute to the manufacturing technology of freeform surface blade parts.