Selection of Optimal Conditions for CNC Multi-Pass Face Milling System Using Evolutionary Computation

The examination of the economics of multi-pass machining operations has significant practical importance. Determination of optimal cutting parameters like the number of passes, depth of cut for each pass, speed and feed is considered as a crucial stage in multi-pass machining. The effective optimization of these parameters affects dramatically the cost and production time of machining components as well as quality of final products. This paper outlines the development of an optimization strategy to determine the optimum cutting parameters. Total production cost model is presented in this paper for multi-pass face milling process. The developed strategy is based on the "minimization of production cost" criterion and incorporates eight technological constraints. The optimal number of passes and optimal values of cutting conditions is determined using Simulated Annealing.