Patent ID: 8165713
Filing Date: 2012-04-24
Classification: B24C

Abstract:
1. A method for using an abrasive fluid-jet to mill a pocket in a solid workpiece without use of a mask and without cutting fully through the workpiece by abrading material from the workpiece, the method comprising: defining a path of the abrasive fluid-jet configured to mill the pocket in the solid workpiece having a shape and a depth less than the thickness of the workpiece, the path comprising a plurality of volume cells of varying profile to form the pocket, the path defined by a number of path parameters, the path parameters including a translation velocity, a fluid pressure, and an abrasive fluid-jet position and orientation relative to a surface of the workpiece, with values of the path parameters defined for different locations along the path such that the abrasive fluid-jet mills the pocket with the shape and depth without cutting fully through the workpiece, wherein defining a path further includes determining an exposure time necessary to remove the material in each volume cell; and generating a command set configured to drive a computer numerical control manipulator system according to the values of the path parameters of the defined path.