Algorithm for Pocket Milling using Zig-zag Tool Path

P. Selvaraj; P. Radhakrishnan

doi:10.14429/dsj.56.1876

P. Selvaraj Aeronautical Development Agency, Bangalore
P. Radhakrishnan Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.56.1876

Keywords: Pocket milling, algorithm, tool-path elements, pocketing tool path, zig-zag tool path, tool-path planning, OPTPATH algorithm, milling pocket machining

Abstract

Pocket-milling operations are widely used for scooping out materials during the machining
of aircraft components. This paper presents a tool-path planning algorithm for pocket-milling
using zig-zag method. The algorithm consists of basically three modules, viz., generating toolpath
elements using pocket geometry entities as input, finding out intersection points (edge
points), and rearranging points in a zig-zag fashion. OPTPATH algorithm1,2 is used for generating
tool-path elements. These elements thus generated are used to find out the intersection points
with all entities. The valid points are arranged in a zig-zag way, which are used for machining
any pocket considered. This algorithm works satisfactorily for all the pocket boundaries having
line-line, line-arc, and arc-arc geometry entities.