CNC tool-path planning for high-speed high-resolution machining using a new tool-path calculation algorithm

Reduced machining time and increased accuracy for a sculptured surface are both very important when producing complicated parts, so, the step-size and tool-path interval are essential components in high-speed and high-resolution machining. If they are small, the machining time will increase, whereas if they are large, rough surfaces will result. In particular, the machining time, which is a key factor in high-speed machining, is affected by the tool-path interval more than the step size. The conventional method for calculating the tool-path interval is to select a small parametric increment or small increment based on the curvature of the surface. However, this approach has limitations. The first is that the tool-path interval cannot be calculated precisely. The second is that a separate tool-path interval must be calculated in three separate cases. The third is the requirement of a conversion from the Cartesian domain to the parametric domain or vice versa. Accordingly, for high-speed and high-resolution machining, the current study proposes a new tool-path interval algorithm, that does not involve a curvature or any conversion, plus a variable step-size algorithm for NURBS.