Automatic CNC milling of pockets: geometric and technological issues

Pocket machining represents an important area in the machining of mechanical parts, dies, and moulds. Literature related to it has recently shown an increased interest from researchers. In this paper, a state-of-the-art and a survey of papers published in the held of pocket machining is given, The paper shows the relationships between the shape, cutter, machine tool, and cutting conditions in the process of optimising the cost and lead time of pocket milling. Geometric aspects of pocket extraction and tool path generation with optimisation of cutting conditions are reviewed and discussed in order to provide a basis for process planning of the CNC machining of pockets. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd, All rights reserved.