Triangulation partitioning applied in tool path optimization

Abstract

Tool path topology is critical to the efficiency and applicability of free form surface machining. Regarding the machining efficiency, neither of the two commonly applied strategies for toll path generation is optimal. Whether the approach is based on generation of isoparametric curves or it exploits the parallel plane intersection curves; the full coverage of the surface can be achieved through the tool path redundancy. Therefore, an optimized tool path generation requires additional toll path adaptation by employment of specific path planning criteria. The proposed optimized approach introduces the adaptive tool path planning applicable for manufacturing of free-form surfaces approximated through triangulation. This paper describes the algorithm created for partitioning of triangulation and successive establishing of surface regions that fully cover entire triangulation and enable the adaptive approach to tool path planing inside the region boundaries.