High surface quality tool path generation strategy for sculptured surfaces machining

In five-axis computer numerically controlled (CNC) machining of sculptured surface parts, the application of high surface quality machining is recognized as an economically viable manufacturing technology. Compared with the traditional CNC machining, high surface quality machining can effectively improve the surface quality. To meet the demands of high surface quality machining, this paper presents a toolpath generation strategy. Based on the constant scallop height and the interference detection, the initial smallest-posture-changes tool path is firstly created. Then, the other tool paths is generated as a kind of the diagonal curve between the offset curves by the initial tool path. At last, the tool path smoothing technology is applied to the generated tool path. This path strategy can ensure higher level of quality of the surface being machined, and less tool path sharp corners. Therefore, the high surface quality tool path can maintain the needs of machining. Based on these techniques, experimental results are given to verify the proposed approach.