The IML has a novel tool path planner, that decomposes surfaces into flat and steep regions. The flat regions are machined with a projecting spiral tool path pattern and the steep regions are machined with a slicing tool path pattern. This yields good tool path uniformity and only moderate computational complexity. The decomposition aims at minimizing machining time within the constraints of the specified surface roughness, tolerance, and machine tool safety. Time estimates for individual operations are calculated, which can be used to provide an early estimation of the machining costs.
Details are available in the paper listed below.