Abstract
This paper presents an improved tool positioning strategy in the 5-axis flank milling of a ruled surface by using simultaneous perturbation stochastic approximation (SPSA) techniques. The SPSA allows the near-global optimization of the machining error, even though the corresponding objective is not formulated as a closed-form representation. It adjusts all cutter locations of a tool path simultaneously, and reduces the induced deviation by not considering the CNC interpolation in the tool path planning. The resultant tool path produces a smaller error compared with the greedy approach that was adopted by several previous studies. This study provides a simple but systematic mechanism for machining error control in 5-axis flank milling. ©2012 ICIC International.