End-to-End Tool Path Generation for Triangular Mesh Surfaces in Five-Axis CNC Machining

2026-02-24

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Li, Shi-Chu

Ma, Hong-Yu

Zhang, Bo-Wen

Shen, Li-Yong *

DOI：10.3390/appliedmath6030035

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Triangular mesh surface representation is widely adopted in geometric design and reverse engineering applications. However, in high-precision Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining, significant limitations persist in automated Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) tool path generation for such representations. Conventional CAM workflows heavily rely on manual engineering interventions, such as creating drive surfaces or tuning extensive parameters-a dependency that becomes particularly acute for generic free-form models. To address this critical challenge, this paper proposes a novel end-to-end single-step end-milling tool path generation methodology for triangular mesh surfaces in high-precision five-axis CNC machining. The framework includes clustering analysis for optimal workpiece orientation, normal vector distribution analysis to identify shallow and steep regions, Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)-accelerated collision detection for feasible tool orientation domains, and iso-planar tool path generation with Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) optimization for efficient tool lifting and movement. Experimental validation confirms the framework ensures machining quality and algorithmic robustness.

Keywords:

tool path generation

five-axis machining

shallow-steep segmentation

collision detection

End-to-End Tool Path Generation for Triangular Mesh Surfaces in Five-Axis CNC Machining

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