Method for modeling complex, three dimensional tool paths through a workpiece

摘要

A method (100) for modeling a three-dimensional tool path (202) through a virtual workpiece (300) is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the method (100) includes creating (102) a three-dimensional tool model (200) and defining (104) a tool path (202) through the virtual workpiece (300). A plurality of two-dimensional slices is then created (108) from the three-dimensional tool model (200), and each of the plurality of two-dimensional slices is passed (110) along the tool path (202) and through the virtual workpiece (300). Material from the virtual workpiece (300) coming into contact with each of the plurality of two-dimensional slices passed therethrough is subtracted from the virtual workpiece (300).