Abstract: A method for determining machining instructions for flank milling of a workpiece which reduces the undercut by analyzing the cutter orientation at a plurality of orientations to determine an orientation which results in a minimum undercut, smooths the machining instructions by analyzing the movement of the cutter and the workpiece in spherical coordinates and improves machinability by analyzing for near-axial conditions and selecting a modified cutter orientation for such near-axial conditions using a multi-criteria weighting factor.

Abstract: A computer generated tool path interference check including a method of checking for interference between a workpiece and a cutting tool during the numerical control machining of the workpiece by the cutter tool. Computer simulation is utilized to determine at least a portion of the workpiece that is desired to be checked for possible interference with the path of the cutter tool. The spatial relationship between the workpiece and the cutter tool during the machining are modelled as the relative positioning of the computerized images of the portion of the workpiece and the cutter tool, respectively. The relative positioning of the computerized images of the portion of the workpiece and the cutter tool are observed to check whether an interference will occur between the workpiece and the cutter tool during the machining.

Abstract: A method for determining a smooth machining course for a cutting tool during machining of a workpiece. Each possible cutting tool position, with respect to the workpiece, is defined by a separate reference vector. A progression of points are defined as a tool path. A first specified portion of the reference vector will follow the tool path during machining of the workpiece. A series of reference planes are generated, each plane defines a planar set of all possible reference vector positions for each point. An acceptable range from eahc set is established which defines acceptable reference vector positions within each plane for each point. A tool course is generated, which will be followed by a second portion, distant from the first portion, of the reference vector utilizing an algorithm to minimize irregularities of the course, and to contain the course entirely within the acceptable range.