The Application of Multiobjective Evolutionary Algorithms to the Generation of Optimized Tool Paths for Multi-axis Die and Mould Making

The generation of tool paths for the milling of dies and moulds requires immense knowledge about the process behavior. This high dimensional geometrical optimizing problem requires technical knowledge and user experience. In this paper, first approaches using evolutionary algorithms for automating tool path generation and optimizing given tool paths are shown. The proposed method combines evolutionary algorithms and a newly developed efficient multi-axis milling simulation. The evolutionary algorithm uses multiple criteria for the optimization of a tool path. The approach uses multiobjective algorithms because minimal or no movement of a machine axis can lead to high cutting forces or collisions.