Five-Axis-Grinding With Toric Tools: A Status Review

Abstract

Free form surfaces are used in various applications, such as in the aviation industry, in the medicine, or for tool and die making. Compressor blades as well as knee prostheses and dies have complex curved surfaces. Five-axis grinding is a possibility to machine such curved surfaces in a high shape accuracy and surface quality. The use of this technology depends on a high degree of the operational background. Furthermore, the complexity of the tool path generation requires the use of computer-aided design/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems. This technical review gives an overview about state of the art of five-axis grinding and presents results, which can close some scientific lacks. Models were developed to predict the surface roughness and material removal dependent on the process parameters. Additionally, the relationship between tool geometry, shape accuracy as well as contact conditions is discussed.