Approach of Automatic Measuring Minimum Distance between Profiles at Cutting Area for Rough Milling

To select appropriate diameter of end mill using in rough milling for complex pocket with islands and free form surfaces, an approach of automatic measuring minimum distance between profiles at cutting area is proposed. After obtaining disordered curves from some intersection plane, recognizing loop algorithm and differentiating inner and outer profiles algorithm are developed. Based on the recognized inner and outer profiles, the minimum distance between them can be measured automatically. Case study conducted feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed approach.