Tool path optimisation for turning of non-rotational symmetrical surfaces based on scattered data interpolation

Non-rotational symmetric surfaces have been widely applied in the fields of imaging, illumination, precision measurement and laser beam reshaping. Commonly used tool nose compensation method would introduce high frequency compensation components both in X and Z direction. This high frequency motion especially that of X slide is disadvantageous for the fabrication. To solve the above problem, an algorithm based on scattered data interpolation is brought out which can achieve the tool nose compensation only in Z direction. The moving least squares (MLS) method is applied for the surface fitting to calculate the tool path, tangent vector and normal vector. Then the factors influencing the accuracy of the data interpolation are discussed. Finally, a facial 3D surface was successfully fabricated and the operation time shows a high efficiency of the path optimisation algorithm. The machined results further verified the proposed tool path generation and optimisation algorithm. © 2016 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.