An Assessment of Geometric Methods in Trajectory Synthesis for Shape Creating Operations

Abstract This paper presents an assessment of the steps involved in trajectory synthesis (e.g., trajectory layout, trajectory generation, trajectory spacing, trajectory postprocessing, and trajectory physics) for shape creating manufacturing operations, e.g., rapid prototyping, milling, electrical discharge machining. The rationale for this paper is that the trajectory plays an important role in determining the productivity as explained below. Shape creating manufacturing operations are those that make use of a “tool” which operates on a “workpiece” to create the desired shape. The tool operates on the workpiece as dictated by the trajectory of the tool, resulting in the manufactured shape. Often, the geometric and functional properties of the end product are dependent on the trajectory of the tool. Moreover, the trajectory dictates the accuracy of the end product and the time taken to manufacture the product. Recognizing the important contribution of the trajectory in shape creating operations, this paper focuses on trajectory synthesis.