Automated Tool Path Generation for End-Milling Operation Using CAD Model in STL Format

A method to extract the machining region from 3D CAD model in STL (Standard Triangulated Language) format and automatically generate tool path is proposed. At first, this study proposes a method to extract the machining region and obtain the geometrical feature such as convex shape or concave shape from only the 3D CAD model in STL format. The STL format has only triangular mesh data and drops all the information which is necessary to extract the removal volume for machining and the geometrical characteristics. Furthermore, the triangular mesh size is non-uniform. Then, the contour line model, in which the product model is minutely divided on the plane along any one axial direction and represented by points at intervals below the indicated resolution obtained from the contour line of the cross section of the product, is proposed. Subsequently, this study proposes a method to determine the machining conditions for each extracted machining region and automatically generate tool path according to the obtained geometrical feature of the machining region.