Computation of Voxel Maps Containing Tool Access Directions for Machining Free-Form Shapes

Abstract An algorithm that derives tool access directions for machining free-form shapes is presented. A free-form shape to be machined is given by a preliminary B-spline model. We allow that the B-spline surface data are as inaccurate as the user-selected geometric accuracy of the prototype to be machined. Using surface sampling a visibility voxel map is obtained. From this map a voxel map is derived that contains per voxel a set of tool access directions. From the obtained voxel map regions can be selected that can be machined with a fixed tool access direction per region.