Continuous Tool-path Generation for High Speed Machining

A continuous tool-path, that is to cut continuously with the minimum number of cutter retractions during the cutting operations, is developed in order to minimise the fluctuation of cutting load and the possibility of chipping on the cutting edge in HSM (high-speed machining). This algorithm begins with the offset procedure along the boundary curve of the sculptured surface being machined. In the of offset procedure, the offset distance is determined such that the scallop height maintains a constant roughness to ensure higher levels of efficiency and quality in high-speed machining. Then, the continuous path is generated as a kind of the diagonal curve between the offset curves. This path strategy is able to connect to neighbor paths without cutter retractions. Therefore, the minimum tool retraction tool-path can be generated And, it allows the sculptured surface incorporating both steep and flat areas to be high-speed machined.