Automatic tool-path generation in 5-axis finish cut with multiple cutters

This paper presents a method for optimal multiple cutter selection and tool-path generation in 5-axis sculptured surface finish cut. Compared to machining using a single cutter, the application of multiple cutters can shorten the cutting time significantly. In our early work, a method has been developed to select the largest feasible cutter to finish the whole of a given sculptured surface by addressing gouging and collision problems. In this paper, this method is extended to select an optimal set of cutters to finish different regions of a given sculptured surface with the maximum cutting efficiency. The iso-planar tool-paths for finishing the different regions using their specified cutters are then generated using a developed optimization algorithm to maximize the step-over between adjacent tool-paths. An example is presented to show the validity and effectiveness of the developed methods.