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The geometry of machining for computer-aided manufacture

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 March 2009

T. W. Stacey
Affiliation:
Computer Aided Engineering Group, School of Engineering and Science, Polytechnic of Central London, 115, New Cavendish Street, London, W1M 8JS (U.K.)
A. E. Middleditch
Affiliation:
Computer Aided Engineering Group, School of Engineering and Science, Polytechnic of Central London, 115, New Cavendish Street, London, W1M 8JS (U.K.)

Summary

A geometrical methodology for automatic machine tool command generation is introduced. The geometric entities relevant to machine tool operation are unambiguously defined by volume models. A vector sum operator is used to determine regions of the configuration space of the machine tool which correspond to undesired collisions, cavity access and material removal. Some indication of how cutter paths are generated is given and a practical implementation for the case of machining two and a half dimensional components under two and a half axis control is discussed in more detail.

Type
Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1986

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