Surface matrix based Machining Planes Determination for Milling Process (Roughing Stage)

This paper deals with machining plane determination process for CNC milling machining. Three methods, Matrix, 3D contour matrix and flow line are presented. All methods depend on the data set point of the surface matrix of the workpiece to be machined. All methods can be used to automate the CAD/CAM operation for roughing process in milling machining. Two surface examples are included to illustrate all methods. By a comparison among the three presented methods, a conclusion has been reached that the presented 3D contour matrix method requires maximum number of blocks to build G-codes program for CNC tool path programming. It means that, this method requires longer time to accomplish tool paths. On the other hand the other two methods require minimum number of blocks of G-codes and shorter time for roughing.