Study on a CNC Free form Surface Machining System with a Rotating Cylindrical Tool

A CNC system to machine cylindrical workpieces with free form surface is developed. The developed CNC system is composed of a tool path generation system and a newly designed machine tool. The tool path generation system includes a shape measurement device for bodies with free form surface besides a computer software. The designed machine tool is similar to a turning lathe, but it uses a cylindrical tool such as a plain milling cutter instead of a turning tool for a lathe. The machine tool has three control axes. The paper explains tool path generation procedure, construction of the machine tool and the result of machining of free form surfaces.