Development of a five-axis milling tool path generation algorithm based on faceted models

This paper describes the development of a 5-axis milling tool path generation algorithm based on faceted or tessellated models. In a first step, the developed algorithm optimises the tool inclination angle for maximal material removal rate in each cutter contact point. This is obtained by matching the tool profile of a flat end cutter with a temporary spline representing the curvature of the part surface in the tool contact point. In a second step, the elimination of gouging between the tool and the surface and a smooth behaviour of the tool inclination angle along the tool path is obtained by a combination of tool inclination angle adaptation and tool lifting along the normal vector. Finally, the paper describes some experimental results.