Application of Multicriteria Decision Making in Selection of Optimal Toolpath

Abstract

Peripheral pocket or contour milling using flat end milling tool can be performed using different tool paths. Tool path determines radial and axial depth of cut, engagement angle, feed and feed rate profile. Each possible tool path will result with different machining characteristics: cutting force, tool life, process stability, machining time etc. Some of milling process characteristics are conflicting each other which makes difficult for technology designers to choose optimal tool path. This paper presents using mulicriteria decision making in selection of optimal tool path. The program for calculating machining elements along the toolpath is developed and applied on one example of pocket machining for 10 different tool paths. Based on obtained machining parameters 10 criteria for selecting optimal tool path are formed. Using basic version of ELECTRE method for choosing optimal tool path, application of multicriteria decision making is shown.