Z-map Model Using Triangular Grids

삼각 격자를 이용한 Z-map 모델

Prior to the downloading of the NC codes to a machining center, the NC tool-path can be verified in a computer. The Z-map is one of the tools for the verification of NC tool-path. The Z-map is a two dimensional array in which the height values of the Z-axis direction vectors are stored. The Z-axis direction vectors are arranged in a rectangular grid pattern on the XY plane. The accuracy of the simulation comes from the grid interval. In the rectangular Z-map, the distances between the grid points are different. The distance in diagonal direction is larger than those in X or Y axis directions. For the rendering of the Z-map, a rectangular grid is divided into two triangular facets. Depending on the selection of a diagonal, there are two different cases. In this paper, triangular Z-map, in which the Z-axis direction vectors are arranged in a triangular grid pattern on XY plane, is proposed. In the triangular Z-map, the distances between grid points are equal. There is no ambiguity to make triangular facets for the rendering.