A novel algorithm for solving cutting tool path generation

Based on MAX-MIN Ant System (MMAS), we proposed a novel algorithm to minimize the idle traveling of tool path on cutting 2D intensive multi-contour patterns. The proposed algorithm consists of four steps: 1) use standard MMAS algorithm to define the pattern order; 2) seek the appearing node according to the pattern order; 3) optimize the node sequence with MMAS algorithm; 4) repeat the step 2) and 3) to achieve the optimal tool path. Experiments show that the proposed algorithm can effectively generate optimal tool path and obtains a noticeable advantage against the line-scanning algorithm and NACS algorithm.