Non-isoparametric tool path planning by machining strip evaluation for 5-axis sculptured surface machining

Presented in this paper is a new approach to 5-axis NC tool path generation for sculptured surface machining. Techniques of feasible machining strip evaluation are used for non-isoparametric 5-axis tool path generation. A searching algorithm is proposed to find the parameter increments of adjacent cutter locations along orthogonal path intervals for optimal non-isoparametric path generation. Compared to the use of the smallest path interval by the traditional constant parametric path planning, the proposed methodology can generate efficient tool paths for sculptured surface machining by reducing the redundant overlapping between adjacent tool paths. The proposed methodology includes three steps: (1) evaluating feasible machining strip, (2) solving parameter increments (Delta u, Delta v) along orthogonal path intervals, and (3) searching for adjacent non-isoparametric cutter locations. The techniques presented in this paper can be used to improve 5-axis machined surface quality and to automate the non-isoparametric cutter path generation for CAD/CAM systems. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved