| 3D CAD system is widely used in every large manufacturing enterprise along with the rapid development of manufacturing industry in our country, An integrated high efficiency automated management mode for CAD/CAM/CAE/CAPP/PDM has been established. And in 3D CAD modeling field, parametric modeling method becomes one of most popular rapid design method due to its convenient remodeling for geometrical dimensions by effective using the similarity of part geometry topological structure. Aiming at the design requirements for cutting tools used on modular machine tool raised by Ningjiang Machine Tool Company Limited, the author uses parametric modeling method, which effectively reduces the workload of the designer for repetitive design of the similar cutting tools, therefore the whole efficiency of cutting tool design will be enhanced.This system focuses on the design of boring cutters, expanding drills and reaming cutters used on modular machine tools for machining the holes on boxlike parts. The requirements of user are met by using the secondary developing tool API in SolidWorks to carry through the parametric modeling and optimize the geometric parameters of the cutting tools and cutting parameters. The main tasks fulfilled are as follows:(1) Interface programming for input parameters using Viusal C++ to get the basic parameters for designing cutting tools, such as information for the sliding headstock of the machine tool, the dimensions of the part to be machined and process information), which can be employed by the following modules;(2) The method for geometric parameter optimization is that keeping several factors unchanged, the rest parameters alter to get the testing data, and the optimal geometric parameters of a cutting tool will be obtained by regressive disposal of testing data;(3) Three access criterions (maximum productivity, lowest cost and maximum profit) are offered to create goal function for cutting parameters optimization. The user can choose one of them according to the concrete production conditions. (4) The mode from bottom to top used for 3D modeling. Feature modeling technology in SolidWorks are used to create parametric 3D model of cutting tools, and the relationship between variables and the dimensions in the model of cutting tools are created using Visual C++ as the programming language. The equation constrains are employed in the relationship of the dimensions in the model of cutting tool. The dimensions can be modified to rebuild the parametric model so as to gain a new part while fitting functions are used to create assembly image.(5) The engineering drawings are generated by SolidWorks API and Visual C++ programming to call the model of cutting tools used on modular machine tool. They consist of the basic engineering drawings, view drawings, dimensioning, dimensional tolerance and technical requirements etc.(6) The 3D parameterized cases library and inserts standard library are established using SolidWorks and SQL Server2000, and a DBMS is created using ADO technology to create the connection between Visual C++6.0 and SQL Server2000.The results obtained indicate that the system supplies the design for cutting tools used on modular machine tool with programming and parametric process. The database, which is convenient for the update and maintenance of the cutting tool parameters, is established. As a result, the system can automatically create 3D solid images and engineering drawings for the cutting tools according to the optimized results. The tools designed according to the optimized results can meet the requirements of rigidity and strength, and the tool life will increase. The period of time for designing the cutting tools will be reduced by using the system, therefore the design efficiency is enhanced. |
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