Accessibility in 5-Axis Milling Environment

Using algorithms from computer graphics, namely hidden line and surface removal, techniques have been constructed to derive the 3-axis visible or millable set of a computer model from a given orientation or simulate and verify machining toolpaths. In this paper, an approach that reduces the accessibility problem of 5-axis milling using a flat end tool into a 3-axis accessibility problem is discussed. Using this approach, global detection of possible gouging into other parts, while a 5-axis flat end mill is in use, is made feasible and collisions can be avoided. Key Words: NURBs, accessibility, 5-axis machining. 1 Introduction Several methods are in use, when freeform computer models are realized using milling machines. Possibly the most common approach utilizes a ball end tool with three degrees of freedom, namely translation in x, y, and z [1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7]. The ball end center of the tool follows an offset [8] to the model by the tool radius while the ball end surface is tangent to..