Investigation on Accessible CNC Simulation Approaches for Multi-axis Milling Machining Through CAD/CAM

This paper presents accessible approaches of CNC simulation for CNC milling machines that available to be utilized. Before real machining is performed, several simulations are generated to identify any possibility to perform milling machining. Application of CAD/CAM is most often employed for machining the prototypes and real parts of products. Machining parameters can affect the surface quality of products in CNC machining. Unlike 5-axis CNC milling machine, the combination of synchronized movements on 3-axis CNC milling machine restrict user to machine parts with complex shapes. Therefore, the purposes of this investigation are to (i) identify machining parameters for CNC milling in order to machine a part with complex shape, (ii) employ any accessible machining simulation approaches by using three different CNC simulations and (iii) observe the outcome from each machining simulation approach for future improvement. CNC Keller, Mastercam and CATIA are used to identify the applicable methods for machining the part with complex shape by using 3-axis and 5-axis CNC milling machines. With dissimilar arrangements of setup orientations, the total machining times are recommended as the crucial for roughing and finishing processes. Although there are three simulations in this study, fully comparison is not suitable to be made between those three CNC simulations due to its accessibility and restriction.