Simulation and Optimization of NC Programs for Industry
What is the Virtual High Performance Machining System?
The Virtual High Performance Machining System (VMS) uses a highly-detailed computer graphics program to model and predict the machine tool and process behaviour in a virtual environment.
The VMS optimizes spindle speed and the depth and width of cut by considering the machine tool spindle, feed drive, and cutting tool limits. After generating an NC program, the VMS automatically optimizes the feeds and spindle speeds by considering vibrations, tool deflections, torque, power, chip load, bearing loads, and tool failure.
The VMS program mimics the real machining process and predicts process faults such as vibration marks, excessive tool deflections, force, torque, and power preventing costly errors on the shop floor. The VMS then automatically modifies the NC program and post-process, and reproduces a new NC file.
UBC MAL has already completed a 3-axis VMS system which is currently being tested. We are in the process of extending VMS to a full 5-axis system capable of handling arbitrary cutter shapes and tool paths.
Who are our Partners?
The Virtual High Performance Machining System (VMS) has been developed with the support of the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and Pratt & Whitney Canada. MTTRF has provided the Mori Seiki machining centre; and Sandvik Coromant and Mitsubishi Materials have supplied cutting tools.
How can VMS be applied to industry?
VMS will provide great value to automotive, aerospace, and die & mold manufacturing companies, for whom precision is equal to dramatically-increased productivity and cost savings.
MAL invites members of the manufacturing industry to test cut their parts with the VMS and see, first hand, its impact on high performance machining.
- The client selects a part which has long cycle times and sends it to UBC MAL electronically. The information will be kept strictly confidential.
- UBC MAL will either send an engineer to measure the dynamic capabilities of the client's machine, or will teach the client the measurement method through a training course.
- UBC MAL will provide the optimal depth-width of cut-spindle speed charts for the work material to be cut on the specific machine.
- The client is then encouraged to produce the NC program and send it to UBC MAL for a second step optimization and virtual test machining.
- The part will be cut by the client.
By correcting the process parameters, UBC MAL guarantees a minimum 20 per cent savings or the avoidance of scrapping the part. Priority will be given to Canadian aerospace companies.
The objective of this collaboration is to let UBC MAL test the VMS and enable the transfer of knowledge and technology to the industry.
The service will be governed by the University's rules and regulations, and will be provided under a service contract.
Who Are We?
The Manufacturing Automation Laboratory (MAL) at the University of British Columbia is a leading research centre on the mechanics and dynamics of metal cutting operations, machine tool feed drives, virtual simulation of machining operations and CNC machine tools, and chatter stability of cutting processes.
We have a network of close to 90 companies and applied manufacturing research centers worldwide that uses our CUTPRO Machining Process Simulation, SpindlePro Spindle Design and Analysis, Virtual CNC, Modal Analysis, and Structural Dynamic Testing technologies.
Our academic articles receive the highest citation in the world in the field of manufacturing.
We frequently receive questions related to machine tool dynamics, part machining and tooling problems, and CNC tuning difficulties. Let our expertise help you.
For more information or to test cut parts, please contact:
Prof. Yusuf Altintas
Office: 604-822-5622
Lab: 604-822-2182
Email: altintas@mech.ubc.ca
