Abstract: The key factors producing the machining error in end milling process are analyzed. In consideration of deformation of the machining system and a workpiece surface to be machined, a machining error prediction framework is presented under virtual manufacturing environment, and a predictive dimension error model is put forward. Applied to many machining conditions, the proposed model can reflects the effects on the machining dimension errors of the system deformation caused by cutting force. In the end, a simulation is given.

Key words: Dimension error prediction, Sculptured surface, Virtual machining