Iso-scallop tool-path generation of five-axis computer numerically controlled machining for cyclide splines

This article presents effective algorithms to generate iso-parametric and iso-scallop tool path of five-axis computer numerically controlled machining for cyclide spline surfaces with flat-end cutters. Optimal tool orientations are generated by making the contact order between the cyclide patch and the cutter envelope surface as high as possible. Based on the optimal tool orientation, efficient methods are proposed to generate iso-scallop and iso-parametric tool paths for cyclide spline surfaces. Together with the existing methods of fitting arbitrary surface with cyclide splines, the proposed method can be used to improve five-axis machining efficiency of free-form surfaces.