The tool paths generation approach based on Level-set Methods in die-cavities NC machining

A new method based on Level-set Methods for tool path generation in die-cavities machining is represented in this paper, which can resolve most topological problems in diecavities pocket milling, and can enhance the efficiency and quality of the machining. For the tool paths are sets of offset curves between the cavities outline and the internal islands, this approach adopted the principle of Level-set Methods and treated with tool paths in one milling layer as shape-varying wave front curves. This method translated the problem how to generate offset tool paths into a problem to solve the expression of zero sets in different time of a 3D surface, which is called as Level-set function. Compare with other conventional methods, this method overcame the shortages such as path singularities, self-interactions and complexity of implement ways, and generated tool paths naturally and stably by its inherent feature inherited from the Level-set Methods. The illustrative example of compute implementation in this paper has proved the effectivity and succinctness of this method sufficiently. Therefore, as a feasible way, this method is suitable for generating tool paths for die-cavities NC machining.