A computerised minimum distance algorithm for machining of sculptured surfaces

This paper presents a unique minimum distance algorithm for machining of sculptured surfaces on computer numerical control (CNC) machines. The algorithm has been used to develop a system that graphically simulates the cutter path of the defined surfaces and generates the required CNC programs. The paper presents the experimental results of the surface roughness, tool size, and computed numerical control (NC) points for various tolerance values used on several sculptured surfaces designed by the system and actually machined on a CNC machining centre using the generated NC program from the system.