Шэньчжэнь Washxing Technology Co.
Как предотвратить коробление и деформацию крупных и тонкостенных корпусных деталей при обработке с ЧПУ?
Large, thin-walled shell parts are easy to warp and deform during machining. In this article, we will introduce a heat sink case of large and thin-walled parts to discuss the problems in the regular machining process. In addition, we also provide an optimized process and fixture solution. Let’s get to it!
The case is about a shell part made of AL6061-T6 material. Here are its exact dimensions.
Overall Dimension: 455*261.5*12.5mm
Support Wall Thickness: 2.5mm
Heat Sink Thickness: 1.5mm
Heat Sink Spacing: 4.5mm
Practice and Challenges in Different Process Routes
During CNC machining, these thin-walled shell structures often cause a range of problems, such as warping and deformation. To overcome these issues, we try to offer serval process route options. However, there are still some exact issues for each process. Here are the details.
Process Route 1
In process 1, we start by machining the reverse side (inner side) of the workpiece and then use plaster to fill in the hollowed-out areas. Next, letting the reverse side be a reference, we use glue and double-sided tape to fix the reference side in place in order to machine the front side.
However, there are some problems with this method. Due to the large hollowing backfilled area on the reverse side, the glue and double-sided tape are not sufficiently secure the workpiece. It leads to warping in the middle of the workpiece and more material removal in the process (called overcutting). In addition, the lack of stability of the workpiece also leads to low processing efficiency and poor surface knife pattern.
Process Route 2
In process 2, we change the order of machining. We start with the underside (the side where the heat is dissipated) and then use the plaster backfilling of the hollow area. Next, letting the front side as a reference, we use glue and double-sided tape to fix the reference side so that we could work the reverse side.
However, the problem with this process is similar to process route 1, except that the issue is shifted to the reverse side (inner side). Again, when the reverse side has a large hollowing backfill area, the use of glue and double-sided tape do not provide high stability to the workpiece, resulting in warping.
Process Route 3
In process 3, we consider using the machining sequence of process 1 or process 2. Then in the second fastening process, use a press plate to hold the workpiece by pressing down on the perimeter.
However, due to the large product area, the platen is only able to cover the perimeter area and could not fully fix the central area of the workpiece.
On the one hand, this results in the center area of the workpiece still appearing from warping and deformation, which in turn leads to overcutting in the center area of the product. On the other hand, this machining method will make the thin-walled CNC shell parts too weak.
Process Route 4
In process 4, we machine the reverse side (inner side) first and then use a vacuum chuck to attach the machined reverse plane in order to work the front side.
However, in the case of the thin-walled shell part, there are concave and convex structures on the reverse side of the workpiece that we need to avoid when using vacuum suction. But this will create a new problem, the avoided areas lose their suction power, especially in the four corner areas on the circumference of the largest profile.
As these non-absorbed areas correspond to the front side (the machined surface at this point), the cutting tool bounce could occur, resulting in a vibrating tool pattern. Therefore, this method can have a negative impact on the quality of the machining and the surface finish.
Optimized Process Route and Fixture Solution
In order to solve the above problems, we propose the following optimized process and fixture solutions.
Pre-machining Screw Through-holes
Firstly, we improved the process route. With the new solution, we process the reverse side (inner side) first and pre-machine the screw through-hole in some areas that will eventually be hollowed out. The purpose of this is to provide a better fixing and positioning method in the subsequent machining steps.
Circle the Area to be Machined
Next, we use the machined planes on the reverse side (inner side) as a machining reference. At the same time, we secure the workpiece by passing the screw through the over-hole from the previous process and locking it to the fixture plate. Then circle the area where the screw is locked as the area to be machined.
Sequential Machining with Platen
During the machining process, we first process the areas other than the area to be machined. Once these areas have been machined, we place the platen on the machined area (the platen needs to be covered with glue to prevent crushing of the machined surface). We then remove the screws used in step 2 and continue machining the areas to be machined until the entire product is finished.
With this optimized process and fixture solution, we can hold the thin-walled CNC shell part better and avoid problems such as warping, distortion, and overcutting. The mounted screws allow the fixture plate to be tightly attached to the workpiece, providing reliable positioning and support. In addition, the use of a press plate to apply pressure on the machined area helps to keep the workpiece stable.
In-depth Analysis: How to Avoid Warping and Deformation?
Achieving successful machining of large and thin-walled shell structures requires an analysis of the specific problems in the machining process. Let’s take a closer look at how these challenges can be effectively overcome.
Pre-machining Inner Side
In the first machining step (machining the inner side), the material is a solid piece of material with high strength. Therefore, the workpiece does not suffer from machining anomalies such as deformation and warping during this process. This ensures stability and precision when machining the first clamp.
Use the Locking and Pressing Method
For the second step (machining where the heat sink is located), we use a locking and pressing method of clamping. This ensures that the clamping force is high and evenly distributed on the supporting reference plane. This clamping makes the product stable and does not warp during the entire process.
Alternative Solution: Without Hollow Structure
However, we sometimes meet situations where it is not possible to make a screw through-hole without a hollow structure. Here is an alternative solution.
We can pre-design some pillars during the machining of the reverse side and then tapping on them. During the next machining process, we have the screw pass through the reverse side of the fixture and lock the workpiece, and then carry out the machining of the second plane (the side where the heat is dissipated). In this way, we can complete the second machining step in a single pass without having to change the plate in the middle. Finally, we add a triple clamping step and remove the process pillars to complete the process.
In conclusion, by optimizing the process and fixture solution, we can successfully solve the problem of warping and deformation of large, thin shell parts during CNC machining. This not only ensures machining quality and efficiency but also improves the stability and surface quality of the product.
Рекомендации
Press Fit Tolerance: Defination, Practices, And Calculation
The manufacturing industry is highly precision-centric, where even the slightest of margins can create huge differences in product quality, cost, and utility. This article discusses the topic of press fitting, where a few micrometers of deviation dictates the criterion for part failure. So, what is press fit and, the factors influencing press fit tolerancing, and present an example of a press fit calculator. We will also share some key tips to keep in mind while designing components for p...
Как избежать столкновения станков в процессе обработки?
Столкновение станков всегда было неизбежной проблемой при обработке прототипов и деталей. Ошибки оператора, например, невыполнение настроек инструмента, могут привести к столкновениям. Это приведет к поломке инструментов, браку заготовок, повторному заказу и повторной обработке материалов. Кроме того, при отсутствии автоматического устройства настройки инструмента ручная настройка инструмента при ошибке ввода данных Z-значения также может привести к столкновению станков. В этой статье мы поделимся нашим обобщенным опытом, чтобы помочь вам избежать этой проблемы. До...
Причины и способы устранения следов от инструмента при обработке металла
Прецизионные металлические детали часто изготавливаются с использованием различных технологий прецизионной обработки, при этом одним из распространенных методов является обработка с ЧПУ. Обычно к прецизионным деталям предъявляются высокие требования как к размерам, так и к внешнему виду. Поэтому при использовании ЧПУ для обработки таких металлов, как алюминий и медь, возникает проблема появления следов и линий на поверхности готового изделия. В этой статье рассматриваются причины, вызывающие появление следов и линий инструмента при обработке металлических изделий.....
Как определить центр вращения при работе на 4-осевом станке с ЧПУ?
В настоящее время четырехкоординатный поворотный стол является обычным оборудованием в механическом цехе. Для того чтобы выполнить обработку нескольких граней в одной координате, координаты программирования должны быть синхронизированы с координатами поворотного стола. В этой статье мы расскажем о методе определения центра вращения 4-осевого поворотного стола. Здесь показан 4-осевой поворотный стол, который вращается вокруг оси X станка, где ось вращения называется осью A. Одним словом,...
