Simple offset algorithm for generating workpiece solid model for milling simulation

Abstract

In the milling simulation of a large stamping die for an automobile part, a workpiece solid model is necessary as an input data. The initial shape of the workpiece is generally equivalent to an offset shape of the stamping die CAD model. Accurate offset shape is not a requirement on the workpiece solid model for the milling simulation. In this paper, we propose a novel method named "Simple Offset" for fast and stable generation of a simplified offset shape of a polyhedral solid model. In this method, surface points of the offset shape are sampled using 3 mutually perpendicular grids in the model space. The final offset shape is obtained by properly connecting the sampled points. Simplification level of the offset shape can be controlled by changing the resolution of the grids for sampling the surface points. An experimental system is implemented and some computation results are demonstrated.