Optional Roughing Tool Diameter Sequence Determination for Pocket: Integrated Geometric Characteristics and Processing Rules

Both to determinate the maximum diameter of cutting tool for a pocket, which is a common operation in CAM and feature representation, and to search an Optional Cutter Diameter Sequence (OCDS) for roughing, we introduce an approach using the Integrated Geometric Characteristics and Processing Rules (IGC&PR) algorithm. In IGC&PR algorithm, geometric characteristics includes accessible section (AS) calculated with rolling disk motion approach, ASs conjunction and narrowest convex hull for AS, also processing rules contains first cutting into condition and three AS index. Besides, the implement of this algorithm just needs simple geometric and mathematical calculation such as points, lines and vectors, rather than complex intersection computation and loop construction, which are needed in traditional methods (e.g., Offset and Voronoi Diagrams). As well, the AS computation can be used for machining cell building in further application. Finally, two examples are proposed to illustrate this algorithm, and the results show that the IGC&PR is implemented and tested successfully on real-world data.