Abstract:

Conventional direction-parallel and contour-parallel tool path patterns are inapplicable for high speed pocket milling because of sharp turning corners. To solve this problem, a new tool path generation algorithm is presented. Firstly, a spiral fashion polyline is created by linear interpolation the polygon which is offsetted from pocket boundary. Then, the control points are inserted into the polyline under exponential regularization. Finally, the smooth tool path is generated via B-spline curve fitting. The tool path can be sent directly to machine controller with NURBS interpolation function and need not be discreted to huge amount of short line segments. Additionlly, the path is Cn continuous smooth. Therefore the magnitude and change range of cutting force will be decreased, and meanwhile the cutting performance and machining accuracy of pockets will be improved.

Key words: pocket,  , milling,  , tool , path,  , spiral,  , B-spline