Finding the Maximal Cutter for 2-d Milling Operations

NC machining is being used to create increasingly complex shapes. These complex shapes are used in a variety of defense, aerospace, and automotive applications to (1) provide performance improvements, and (2) create high performance tooling (e.g., molds for injection molding). The importance of the machining process is increasing due to latest advances in high speed machining that allows machining to create even more complex shapes. Complex machined parts require several rouging and finishing passes. Selection of the right sets of tools and the right type of cutter trajectories is extremely important in ensuring high production rate and meeting the required quality level. It is difficult for human planners to select the optimal or near optimal machining strategies due to complex interactions among tools size, part shapes, and tool trajectories.