Iso-planar interpolation for the machining of implicit surfaces

The paper presents an approach for on-line path generation and interpolatio n for the machining of implicit surfaces. For a given implicit surface, onc e the cutting plane direction and cut-in points have been selected, iso-pla nar tool paths and interpolated points can be calculated on-line according to the feedrate and scallop height requirements. The approach enables the t ool position and orientation to be correctly calculated at each interpolate d point. Validation examples are provided for the interpolation of cyclide surfaces with planar and curved boundaries. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.