Tool-path verification in five-axis machining of sculptured surfaces

This paper presents a systematic scheme for the verification of tool paths in five-axis machining of sculptured surfaces. The criterion of interference detection is developed for a general APT cutter. Tool interference problems which occur across multiple surfaces can be dealt with. In this work, sculptured surfaces are subdivided into discrete sample points for interference detection. The undetected interference error introduced in the surface subdivision process is ensured within a user-specified tolerance. Simulation results of test examples are included to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed scheme.