HSM Strategies of CAD/CAM Systems — Part I Tool Path Generation

Abstract

Owning to the ultra high feed rate and spindle speed, tool path patterns which are less important in conventional metal cutting processes becomes critical in High Speed Machining (HSM). Without an appropriate tool path strategy HSM can not be fully implemented even though the CNC machine has HSM potentials. In practice attentions are usually drawn to advanced hardware components; tool path pattern catering to HSM is often overlooked. This paper introduces the principles of tool path generation for HSM. Essential properties of HSM and its technical requirements on the CAD/CAM system are summarized. The state-of-the-art technologies and practice-oriented tool path generation methodologies are presented.