The implementation of adaptive isoplanar tool path generation for the machining of free-form surfaces

Machining of steep regions is an important research topic in the machining of free-form surfaces. A new tool path generation algorithm to adaptively machine free-form surfaces has been recently developed. However, similarly to many newly emerged methods, so far it has not been used in industry because no commercial platform is currently available and the user-developed system is not robust enough for industrial applications. To solve this problem, this paper presents a new implementation method by integrating it in a commercial CAD/CAM system (Pro/Engineer). With this strategy, other than conducts detailed computations for parameters, such as scallop heights and forward steps, or designing the non-cutting functions such as engaging and retracting methods, which are routines in every tool path generation process, the implementation utilizes existing tool path generation templates in Pro/E to generate the required tool paths. This makes the tool path generation process easier and the tool paths generated more practicable because the integration is relieved of the time-consuming routine calculation and the entire cutting and non-cutting functions in the commercial system are transparent to users. Based on the API of Pro/E, the new tool path generation method was successfully implemented and cutting tests were conducted. Not losing generality, the implementation could also be conducted in other commercial systems as similar templates are available in these systems as well.