Application of Convex Hull for Tool Interference Avoidance in 5-Axis CNC Machining

Abstract

Abstract In this paper, a methodology of applying convex hull property in solving the tool interference problem is presented for 5-axis NC machining of free-form surfaces. Instead of exhausted point-by-point checking for possible tool interference, a quick checking can be done by using the convex hull constructed from the control polygon of free-form surface modeling. Global tool interference in 5-axis NC machining is detected using the convex hull of the free-form surface. A correction method for removing tool interference has also been developed to generate correct tool path for 5-axis NC machining. The inter-surface tool interference can be avoided by using the developed technique.