Automated Process Planning System for End-Milling Operation by CAD Model in STL Format

Abstract

A method for extracting the machining region from a 3D CAD model in Standard Triangulated Language (STL) format and automatically generating a tool path is proposed. First, a method is proposed for extracting the machining region and obtaining the geometrical features such as a convex or concave shape from only the 3D CAD model in STL format. The STL format uses only triangular mesh data and drops all information, which is necessary for extracting the removal volume for the machining and geometrical characteristics. Furthermore, the triangular mesh size is non-uniform. A contour line model is proposed in which the product model is minutely divided on the plane along any one axial direction and is represented by points at intervals below the indicated resolution obtained from the contour line of the cross section of the product. Subsequently, a method is proposed to determine the machining conditions for each extracted machining region and automatically generate a tool path according to the geometrical features of the machining region obtained. A machining experiment was conducted to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. As a result of the machining experiment, it was confirmed that the tool path automatically generated from the 3D CAD model in STL format can be machined without any problems and with a practical level of accuracy.