Process planning and machining of generic virtual pockets by feature-composition approach

In this paper, a feature-composition methodology is proposed for merging removal volumes and selecting appropriate cutters to improve the machining efficiency in feature-based design and manufacturing systems. Cutter selection and tool path generation are optimized under the local geometric constraint, global geometric constraint, residual material constraint, and machining accessibility constraint. The proposed methodology can be used to support the planning and machining functions in the feature-based design and manufacturing systems.