Automatic generation of NC tool path programs for multi-axis mould manufacturing

An algorithm for multi-axis NC tool path generation on sculptured surfaces is presented where the free-form surface is modeled parametrically by dual kriging. This interpolation method offers several advantages since it permits to obtain piecewise linear and "spline" interpolations as particular cases and least square methods as a limit case. Non-constant parameter tool contact curves are defined on the part by intersections parallel planes with the part model surface. Seven essential elements of this algorithm are introduced: creation of the kriged surface, tool path generation with direct gouge elimination, tool pass interval adjustment, collision avoidance, rough cutting process, simulation and post-processor. The whole system is implementable on a standard micro-computer.