Villarceau Circles as a Path to Machine Toroid Surfaces in 5-axis

Toroid surfaces are frequently found in mechanical components with high functional performance. In this work, a way of machining this type of surface has been developed using Villarceau circles which are the result of the intersection of a toroid with an inclined plane at a particular angle. These circles are neither the directrix nor the generatrix circles of the toroid. Its use as a cutting path has advantages such as the possibilities to get different surfaces textures orientation. As an example of application, the 5-axes machining with a cylindrical mill of a toroidal propeller that belongs to a centrifugal impeller compressor is presented. This includes the geometrical description, the planning of the machining process, the description of the machine tool and fixtures, the definition of trajectories to maintain a constant thickness of blades, and the machined part. Several defects and inconveniences will be discussed.