Five-axis tool path planning by free form curve offset in surface

To improve the cutting efficiency of free form surface and amend the stress state of tool in the process of numerical control machining, a new five-axis tool path planning method based on the curve offset in surface is presented. The method of curve offsetting in surface, the approach to verify approximation tolerance, and boundary solution are studied in detail. It is proposed that three kinds of cutting modes, i.e. single side, double sides or four sides, can be utilized in practical machining. The calculation results of the present method are compared with those of iso-parametric and iso-planar method by an example. The results indicate that the distribution of path interval is more uniform than the other two methods, and the machining efficiency can be enhanced greatly, and the scallop height can be controlled easily.