Patent ID: 9164503
Filing Date: 2015-10-20
Classification: G05B,Y02P

Abstract:
1. A method of machining a workpiece using an automatically controlled cutting tool, comprising: selecting a cut boundary defining a shape of an area of the workpiece to be machined; determining a medial axis transformation of the shape, including generating a set of medial axis curves describing the shape; selecting at least one of the medial axis curves for use in generating a pre-roughing toolpath; generating the pre-roughing toolpath based on the at least one of the medial axis curves; automatically machining a pre-roughing slot in the workpiece using a cutting tool and the pre-roughing toolpath guiding the cutting tool via cutting a first circular recess comprising a first desired axial depth into the workpiece, centered at a first end of the medial axis, cutting a full length of the pre-roughing slot, and then cutting a second circular recess comprising a second axial depth into the workpiece, centered at a second end of the medial axis; generating a roughing toolpath using a constant radial depth of cut of a cutting tool with the workpiece, based on a geometry of the pre-roughing slot, such that the roughing toolpath comprises a starting position, for the cutting tool, inside the pre-roughing slot; automatically machining a remainder of the area of the workpiece using the cutting tool and the roughing toolpath to guide the cutting tool; and automatically machining the remainder of the area of the workpiece using the roughing toolpath to guide the cutting tool in curves spiraling outward from the pre-roughing slot such that the cutting tool precludes a need for at least one of: a reversal of a direction of travel of the cutting tool, and a substantial deceleration and acceleration of the cutting tool.