Abstract
Profile machining using cutter diameter compensation is widely used in die and mould manufacturing. Especially automotive die makers try to use 3D-profile machining for trimming or flange dies. But the technological requirements and implementation issues haven't been defined. In this paper we summarized the requirements and issues of 3D-profile machining. Approximation of input profiles into sequences of line and helical arc is the first major issue. The second major issue is removing cutter inter- ference from the approximated curves holding z-values when the maximum cutter diameter is given. Keeping constant machining width, local machining, path linking problems and several detail technological requirements are also discussed.