Wood Industry and Engineering , cilt.3, sa.2, ss.1-11, 2021 (Hakemli Dergi)
Since computerized numerical controlled (CNC) machines began to be used in the manufacturing
industry, accurate determination of tool path strategies has always been an important problem
area. In addition to the increasing design expectations especially in products and parts,
developments in CNC machines have increased the efficiency expectation in tool path applications.
The tool path can also vary according to the nature of the work and the geometric structure needed.
Different tool path strategies can be used depending on product structure and machine
characteristics in different sectors. The geometry of the workpiece to be machined, especially
designed for machining complex shaped parts, plays an important role in determining the cutting
tool path and tool to be used. In addition, the preferred tool path strategy raises issues such as
reducing manufacturing costs, reducing manufacturing time and improving surface quality. In this
context, the parameters such as the form of the workpiece, the quality of the workpiece, the
characteristics of the cutting tool, the machine characteristics, the cutting conditions are among the
main factors to be considered in the tool path evaluations.
In this study, tool path strategies for a sample piece of product were evaluated in a CNC
woodworking machine. A three-axis CNC machine was chosen for the application. For this purpose,
first of all, product part is modeled in CAM program and tool path strategies are developed on
product design. These strategies were applied on CNC woodworking machine and the results of
preferred tool path strategies were evaluated with comparative analysis. As a result of the research,
the approaches that can be applied in determining the correct way of team strategies and the
benefits that can be obtained are discussed.