Process of generating discrete points defining cutter path, so as to meet selected workpiece machining requirements

摘要

A process of generating discrete points to be followed by a cutter (16) during movements of the cutter to machine a workpiece (18), including a step (S1) of operating a computer (20) including a data processor (22), to select at least one of different discrete point generating conditions stored in a memory (24) of the computer, according to a command entered by an operator of the computer, each discrete point generating condition including at least one requirement that should be satisfied when the discrete points are generated so as to define a cutter path, a step (S2, S3, S35, S44, S54) of operating the computer to calculate an interval of the discrete points, according to the selected discrete point generating condition or conditions, and a step (S3, S36, S45, S55) of operating the computer to generate the discrete points on the basis of the calculated interval, such that the discrete points are spaced apart from each other by the interval. The discrete point generating conditions may include requirements associated with velocities of the cutter during machining of the workpiece.