A study of tool path generation for multi-axis NC milling of a sculptured surface

A new approach for multi-axis NC tool-path generation of sculptured surfaces is proposed. The new tool paths are a series of lines inclined at an angle to u-axis of a parametrical surface. To simplify the calculations, the cutting tool axis is assumed to be normal to the cutter contact surface. From the Bezier surface model, the desired cutter position and orientation are derived by using modified Denavit-Hartenberg notation, A post-processor is developed in this paper to convert cutter location data to actual NC data. A simulation of the NC data for machining the Bezier surface is presented. For a given surface finish requirement, the number of cutter contact points is reduced to a sculptured surface machined with a ball-end cutter.