Robust Spiral Tool-Path Generation for Arbitrary Pockets

When converting CC data (cutter contact point data) into CL data (cutter location data) for tool-path generation for arbitrary pockets, overcut avoidance plays an important role in CNC pocket milling. Complicated calculations of the self-intersections in the offset of spiral cutting is one of the main considerations in some algorithms. This study presents a quasi-offset method to solve complicated self-intersection calculations. Instead of using offsetting methods, the proposed method uses the location points and their track types to generate the son loop. The proposed quasi-offset method also makes it much easier to generate spiral tool paths.