Interference detection for 3-axis mold machining

Abstract

Interference detection is a crucial problem in NC tool path generation and cutting tool selection. Most researchers studied this problem from the viewpoint of tool path generation or surface offset, which are very time consuming. This paper proposes a new method to detect interference regions in 3-axis mold machining. With this method, the surface geometry is first analyzed and local interference is detected in the concave and saddle surfaces. It was found that if a surface is free of local interference, the global interference can be detected from the surface boundaries. Theorems on global interference detection are given and proven in the paper. Algorithms on interference detection were developed and implemented in a CAD system. The algorithms have been tested with several industry parts, and it is shown to be robust and efficient especially for the complex mold machining. © 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd.