Abstract

Presented in the paper is a tool-path planning algorithm for direction-parallel area milling consisting of three modules: (1) finding the optimal inclination; (2) calculating and storing tool-path elements; and (3) tool-path linking. For the optimal inclination, we suggest an algorithm that selects an inclination by reflecting the shape of the machining area as well as the tool-path interval. We make use of the concept of a monotone chain and the plane-sweep paradigm to calculate the tool-path elements. The concept of a monotone chain brings clarity and tight-time complexity to the proposed algorithm. The tool-path linking problem is modeled as a TPE-Net (tool-path element net) traversing problem. For the two direction-parallel milling topologies, one-way and zigzag, tool-path linking algorithms are proposed. Empirical tests show that the proposed algorithm fulfils its requirements.

Author Keywords: Tool-path planning; Direction-parallel area milling; One-way; Zigzag

Article Outline

1. Introduction

2. Structure of the tool-path planning algorithm

2.1. Optimal inclination

2.2. Calculating and storing tool-path elements

2.3. Tool-path linking with various technological requirements

3. Optimal inclination

4. Calculating and storing tool-path elements

5. Tool-path linking

5.1. Tool-path linking algorithm for a one-way milling

5.1.1. Sub-path grouping

5.1.2. Ordering of the individual sub-paths

5.2. Tool-path linking algorithm for a zigzag milling

5.2.1. Sub-path grouping

5.2.2. Ordering of the individual sub-paths

6. Empirical performance tests

7. Discussions and conclusions

Acknowledgements

References

Vitae