Patent ID: 7024272

Claim:
A computer implemented method for virtual machining and inspection of a three-dimensional virtual workpiece model representative of an actual workpiece comprising: creating a three-dimensional tool model; defining a tool path through the virtual workpiece model; creating a plurality of two-dimensional slices from said three-dimensional tool model; and passing each of said plurality of two-dimcnsional slices along said tool path and through the virtual workpiece model; wherein material from the virtual workpiece model coming into contact with each of said plurality of two-dimensional slices passed therethrough is subtracted from the virtual workpiece model; and conducting a virtual inspection of said virtual work piece model, comprising; generating an inspection line, said inspection line being used to intersect with the virtual workpiece model, to define an inspection point; wherein said inspection line is swept through a selected area of the virtual workpiece model, thereby collecting inspection data for the workpiece.