Determination of cutting direction for minimization of tool retraction length in zigzag pocket machining

Abstract

In this paper, we determine a cutting direction which minimizes the tool retraction length in a zigzag pocket machining. A tool retraction, in a zigzag pocket machining, is a non-productive operation in which the tool moves to any remaining regions for machining. We developed an algorithm of generating a tool retraction length in simple polygonal shapes. In the algorithm, we considered a reflex profile of cutting direction in a polygonal shape. Considering reflex profiles of cutting direction, the polygon is decomposed into several subregions, which do not need any tool retractions. Consequently, we propose a new result that the tool retraction can be minimized when a cutting direction is parallel to concave edges. Examples are shown to show the validity. © Springer-Verlag 2003.