Intelligent tool path generation for milling of free surfaces using neural networks

The presented paper has an intention to show how with the help of Artificial Neural Network (ANN), the prediction of milling tool-path strategy could he made in order to establish which milling path strategy or their sequence will show the best results (will be the most appropriate) at free surface machining, according to set technological aim. In our case the best possible surface quality of machined surface was taken as the primary technological aim. Configuration of used Neural Network (NN) is presented, and the whole procedure is shown on an example of mould, for producing light switches. The verification of machined surface quality, according to average mean roughness, R-a, is also being done, and compared with the NN predicted results. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All fights reserved.