Application of Multi-Contour Cutting in Algorithms for Solving the Cutting Path Problem

Abstract

The cutting path problem for CNC sheet metal cutting equipment is considered in this article. The method of multi-contour cutting application is described for solving Cutting Path Problem (CPP). The method is to be combine contours in «blocks» (groups) and cutting of several contours is performed by using special cutting techniques (common cut, «chained» cutting) in order to reduce values of cutting tool length and number of piercings compared with standard cutting technique (where only idle path is minimized) The article presents results of solving cutting path problem computing experiments using proposed method (multi-contour cutting with common cut) and algorithm CCP-Relax (in which the standard cutting technique is used). The examples of testing are performed by using several instances from Library CPPLib.