A feature based automated machining approach for a 3-axis milling machine

An approach for automatic generation of toolpaths using feature based design is presented in this work. In this approach, machining information is integrated within the feature definition. This integrated data structure is used to generate the toolpaths for machining the object. An FBDM (feature based design and manufacturing) system to implement the above approach was designed and tested for a 3-axis milling machine.;In this system, an object is designed on a workstation and an integrated data base is created. This data base is decomposed and communicated to the NC controller. The NC controller takes the above decomposed data as an input and rebuilds the complete model. The projection method for a generalized tool is developed and used in this work. The toolpaths are generated using the projection method. The topological and geometric information from the model data is used within the projection method to implement local interference checking. This information is also used to implement global interference checking. By implementing local and global interference checking, a gouge free toolpath to machine the object is generated. A graphical user interface for the controller is developed to simulate the toolpaths. Examples which bring out the salient features of the system are also presented. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...