Most of the tool path generation algorithms in NC machining of sculptured surfaces are as follow: First, the cutter contact (CC) points are generated. Each array of points is then offset along the surface normal to obtain a sequence of cutter location (CL) points on which a tool path is generated. The disadvantage of these algorithms is that the detection and elimination of gouging is difficult as the sequence of cutter location points may not locate on a plane. This paper presents a new method for tool path generation based on the existed algorithms: The sculptured surfaces are approximated by triangular meshes. The vertices of triangular meshes are offsetted along surface normal. All offset vertices are then connected to form offset triangular meshes on which are sliced by a group of planes to obtain tool paths. The algorithm has been successfully applied in our automatically programming system of multi-axis NC machining -InteCAM. The realistic NC machining results demonstrate the feasibility of the algorithm.
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