Optimal tool selection for 2.5D milling, part 2: a Voronoi mountain approach for generalized pocket geometries

Abstract

Cutter selection is a critical subtask of machining process planning. In part 2 of this twopart series, we develop a robust approach for the selection of an optimal sequence of milling cutters. We rely on the Voronoi mountain construction algorithm developed in part 1 to support generalized pocket geometries containing multiple obstruction regions and contours consisting of circular arc and linear segments. Open edges are supported in both the original pocket contours as well as the intermediate edges that bound removal regions for subsequent tools in the optimal sequence. Exact tool-path lengths are computed for the multiple tool sequences rather than relying on area-based estimates of machining time and cost. An externally supplied table of machining technology data is required to drive the tool selection algorithm.