An exact representation of effective cutting shapes of 5-axis CNC machining using rational Bezier and B-spline tool motions

Presents an approach to 5-axis CNC tool path generation for sculptured surface machining with a flat-end cutter. Rational Bezier and B-spline motions are used to plan cutter motions so that an exact representation of the effective cutting shape can be obtained. The exact representation leads to an accurate computation of the scallop curve generated by two adjacent tool paths. Two examples are given to show how this result can be used to accurately plan and verify tool paths for 5-axis CNC milling of sculptured surfaces.