Abstract: A method is presented. A tool path having planar parallel alternating paths connected by a plurality of curved transitions is generated. A forming tool is driven along the planar parallel alternating paths and the plurality of curved transitions to shape a material into a workpiece.

Abstract: A method is presented. A tool path having planar parallel alternating paths connected by a plurality of curved transitions is generated. A forming tool is driven along the planar parallel alternating paths and the plurality of curved transitions to shape a material into a workpiece.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for generating a continuous helical tool path for forming a part having a plurality of central axes is provided. The method includes performing a tool path algorithm modeling and a tool path algorithm execution using a computer system. The tool path algorithm modeling includes defining a starting point location within a computer-generated three-dimensional part geometry model, defining a vector, defining a helix, defining a sweeping surface three-dimensional geometry element, and generating an intersection curve from tracing a continuous curved line of an intersection between the sweeping surface geometry element and the part geometry model. The tool path algorithm execution includes defining data for a forming tool stylus, selecting the intersection curve as a guiding element for the forming tool stylus, and generating the continuous helical tool path for the forming tool stylus. The continuous helical tool path includes a forming tool stylus centerline path in graphical space.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for generating a continuous helical tool path for forming a part having a plurality of central axes is provided. The method includes performing a tool path algorithm modeling and a tool path algorithm execution using a computer system. The tool path algorithm modeling includes defining a starting point location within a computer-generated three-dimensional part geometry model, defining a vector, defining a helix, defining a sweeping surface three-dimensional geometry element, and generating an intersection curve from tracing a continuous curved line of an intersection between the sweeping surface geometry element and the part geometry model. The tool path algorithm execution includes defining data for a forming tool stylus, selecting the intersection curve as a guiding element for the forming tool stylus, and generating the continuous helical tool path for the forming tool stylus. The continuous helical tool path includes a forming tool stylus centerline path in graphical space.

Abstract: Associative templates for machining operations and systems and methods including the same are disclosed herein. The methods include defining an electronic model for a feature and defining a tool path to be traveled by a cutting tool to form the feature. The methods further include recording an associative template as program code. The program code is configured to program an electronically controlled machine tool to automatically define the electronic model of the feature and to automatically define the tool path responsive to user selection of the program code on the electronically controlled machine tool. The electronically controlled machine tool further is configured to automatically form the feature within the workpiece responsive to executing the program code. The systems include electronically controlled machine tools including machine controllers that are programmed to execute the program code.

Abstract: Associative templates for machining operations and systems and methods including the same are disclosed herein. The methods include defining an electronic model for a feature and defining a tool path to be traveled by a cutting tool to form the feature. The methods further include recording an associative template as program code. The program code is configured to program an electronically controlled machine tool to automatically define the electronic model of the feature and to automatically define the tool path responsive to user selection of the program code on the electronically controlled machine tool. The electronically controlled machine tool further is configured to automatically form the feature within the workpiece responsive to executing the program code. The systems include electronically controlled machine tools including machine controllers that are programmed to execute the program code.