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Automated Tool-Path Generation for Complex Shapes Applicable to 5-Axis Indexing Machining Using STL-Format CAD Models.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Automated Tool-Path Generation for Complex Shapes Applicable to 5-Axis Indexing Machining Using STL-Format CAD Models.
Authors: Matsukawa, Kentaro, Nakatsuji, Hidenori, Nishida, Isamu
Source: International Journal of Automation Technology; Sep2025, Vol. 19 Issue 5, p698-711, 14p
Subject Terms: MACHINING, COMPUTER-aided design, GEOMETRIC shapes, ROBOTIC path planning, PARALLEL programming
Abstract: This study proposes a system for generating efficient tool paths for complex shape machining using a standard triangulated language (STL)-format CAD model as input. As the STL format represents the surface of a three-dimensional shape as a collection of triangular meshes, it is a generic data format independent of CAD software, ensuring compatibility between different systems. The proposed system introduces a new tool-path generation algorithm to overcome the limitations of conventional scanning and achieve the high-precision and efficient machining of complex shapes. To accommodate complex geometries, including overhangs, this study incorporates 5-axis indexing machining, enabling multidirectional machining. Furthermore, the system performs shape simulation simultaneously with tool-path generation, enabling the identification of material removal regions and the elimination of unnecessary tool paths, thereby reducing machining time. A major challenge in this approach is the increased computational cost owing to the large number of iterative calculations required. To address this, this study utilizes parallel computation with a graphics processing unit to accelerate tool-path generation and air-cut detection, significantly reducing analysis time. Finally, this study conducted a case study to validate the effectiveness of the proposed system. Using an STL-format CAD model of a product shape, this study generated a numerical control program with the proposed system and performed actual machining. The results of the case study confirmed that the target CAD model could be machined without any issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Complementary Index
Description
Abstract:This study proposes a system for generating efficient tool paths for complex shape machining using a standard triangulated language (STL)-format CAD model as input. As the STL format represents the surface of a three-dimensional shape as a collection of triangular meshes, it is a generic data format independent of CAD software, ensuring compatibility between different systems. The proposed system introduces a new tool-path generation algorithm to overcome the limitations of conventional scanning and achieve the high-precision and efficient machining of complex shapes. To accommodate complex geometries, including overhangs, this study incorporates 5-axis indexing machining, enabling multidirectional machining. Furthermore, the system performs shape simulation simultaneously with tool-path generation, enabling the identification of material removal regions and the elimination of unnecessary tool paths, thereby reducing machining time. A major challenge in this approach is the increased computational cost owing to the large number of iterative calculations required. To address this, this study utilizes parallel computation with a graphics processing unit to accelerate tool-path generation and air-cut detection, significantly reducing analysis time. Finally, this study conducted a case study to validate the effectiveness of the proposed system. Using an STL-format CAD model of a product shape, this study generated a numerical control program with the proposed system and performed actual machining. The results of the case study confirmed that the target CAD model could be machined without any issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:18817629
DOI:10.20965/ijat.2025.p0698