Five-axis tool path generation for 3D curves created by projection on B-spline surfaces

This paper presents a new tool-path-generating methodology for five-axis machining of 3D curves that are projected from 2D planes onto free-form part surfaces. In our approach, the scanning for mapping is planned directly on parameter domain. The DXF pattern was scaled to parametric dimension and transferred to parametric domain, and thus, all entity coordinates were transferred from X,Y to (u,v). By using a B-spline surface equation algorithm, the projected curves were obtained on a free-form surface for tool path generation. 2D pattern models were delineated with the DXF format; 3D free-form surfaces were delineated with the STEP-AP214 format and the "B_Spline_surface_with_knots" entity was used to define the free-form B-spline surface geometry. WindowsA (R) based software written in BorlandA (R) Delphi has been developed according to the presented algorithm. Cutter contact (CC) data and surface normals for CC points were obtained with this software. The obtained CC data and surface normal data were transferred to cutter location (CL) data and the tool path verification is obtained by simulation successfully.