Tool Path Generation for the Formation of a Geometric Surface Pattern on a Curved Surface by Patch Division Milling

Abstract

A textural surface pattern is used to add a physical or decorative function to an object’s surface. We have proposed a milling technique involving patch division that can quickly generate a geometric surface pattern using a common profile-forming method. This report describes a method of generating a tool path using 3D-CAD and an FEA preprocessor applied to the patch division milling of a curved surface. Experimental results of the proposed method as applied to spherical and free-form surfaces are described.