Cutter Path Transition Planning for CNC Over-Cutting Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
In CNC machining, existing cutter path planning methods often result in over-cutting issues due to the distance from the transition point to the programmed path being smaller than the cutter radius, leading to unwanted removal of material.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for cutter path planning that computes a transition path connecting the end point of the first cutter path and the start point of the second cutter path, ensuring the distance from any point on the transition path to either programmed path is not smaller than the cutter radius, thereby preventing over-cutting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a transition point is found on the first cutter path at distance r from the intersection of programmed paths, then the cutter path can be connected between two programmed paths, but the distance from the transition point to the second programmed path becomes smaller than r, causing over-cutting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transition path as an intermediary element between the first and second cutter paths. This transition path acts as a mediator that connects the two cutter paths while maintaining the required distance from the programmed paths, thereby preventing over-cutting. The transition path is computed to ensure that any point on it maintains a distance of at least r from both programmed paths, solving the connectivity issue without sacrificing machining precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cutter radius compensation plane changes at the transition point, then the cutter can follow different programmed paths in different planes, but the cutter paths become skew lines that do not intersect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the skew line problem by transitioning from two-dimensional plane-based cutter paths to a three-dimensional transition path. The transition path is computed in 3D space, allowing it to connect cutter paths from different planes while maintaining proper spatial relationships. This dimensional elevation enables the cutter to navigate between different compensation planes without creating non-intersecting skew lines, ensuring reliable path connectivity in multi-plane machining operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for cutter path planning is disclosed. The method includes: obtaining a first and a second programmed path of a workpiece, computing for a corresponding first cutter path based on the first programmed path and a radius of the cutter, and computing for a corresponding second cutter path based on the second programmed path and the radius of the cutter; and computing for a transition path connecting an end point of the first cutter path and a start point of the second cutter path based on the first and second cutter paths, wherein the distance from any one point on the transition path to either the first or second programmed path would be greater than or equal to the radius of the cutter. An apparatus for cutter path planning, a method and an apparatus for workpiece machining are also disclosed.