Generation of Tool Paths For Five-Axis Machining Without Interference

      A simple and reliable procedure is developed to generate tool paths without interference for five-axis machining of mechanical components with complex surfaces. Based on the projected distance between the surface data and the cutter axis, the interference between a surface of a workpiece and a cutter can be detected. Given the cutter contact points on the complex surfaces and the size of the ball-end cutter, it can produce the cutter location data through rotating and tilting the workpiece. A practical example for machining of impellers of centrifugal compressors is provided to show the application and effectiveness of the approach.