Modeling and NC Programming for Free-Form Surfaces by Haptic Interfaces

Abstract

Abstract The haptic interfaces were developed and applied to free-form surface CAD/CAM systems to improve the user interaction with geometric models. Two types of haptic interfaces were designed; a passive force feedback device and an active force feedback device. Two application systems were developed with these devices; the surface modeling system by the passive force feedback device, and the NC programming system by the active force feedback device. In the surface modeling system, the operator can generate the surface geometry by cutting the virtual clay model. In the NC programming system, the operator can directly teach the NC program by tracing the model with active force feedback device. The structure, control method, simulation software and representation of the geometric model in these systems are discussed. The performance and operating efficiency and accuracy of the systems are experimentally examined.