Geometric simulation for multi-axis NC machining

The NC (Numerically Controlled) machining simulation based on computer graphics is used to validate the generated information for multi-axis NC machines before it is physically downloaded and executed, with the corresponding reduction of time and costs. In this paper, the data structure of octree model is introduced to represent the workpiece and tool swept volume. Marching cube algorithm is applied to build the triangle mesh model of machined workpiece so that the improvement of simulation precision and speed can be achieved. Finally, the feasibility and validity of the algorithm proposed in this paper is validated through geometric simulation of one part´s NC machining.