Three-axis NC cutter path generation for subdivision surface

In this paper we propose methodologies and algorithms of NC cutter path generation for subdivision surfaces. We select Loop surface as the subdivision surface. A path plan including rough cut and finish-cut is developed based on LoD (level of detail) property of the subdivision surface. We generate a coarse mesh that covers the limit surface to implement rough cut. For finish-cut we use ball-end mills and offset cutter contact positions to generate cutter location. In these two steps we use a Z-map model and a collision detection and correction method is presented for the interference-free of these two steps. We implement our methods and present machining results. All of these two kinds of cutter paths are computed rapidly and automatically.