Abstract
Vector field-based tool path planning methods have been widely used for freeform surface machining, as they can effectively capture preferred feed directions that reflect the designers' machining intent. Among these methods, the stream function reconstruction algorithm stands out for its capability to generate tool paths with high machining efficiency. During the reconstruction process, there are two key problems that remain to be solved: controlling scallop height between adjacent paths to reduce redundant machining, and addressing the computational inefficiencies of the commonly used tensor product B-spline functions, which lack local refinement properties. To overcome these limitations, this paper proposes a novel global tool path planning method based on piecewise Coons stream function reconstruction on adaptively hierarchical T-meshes. This approach introduces an optimal stream function reconstruction model that integrates three optimization objectives: tool path alignment with the vector field, uniform distribution of scallop height between adjacent paths, and smoothness of the tool paths. Subsequently, an adaptively piecewise Coons function reconstruction algorithm is developed, utilizing the Coons interpolation for precise and efficient tool path generation. Experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
