Tool path generating method

A tool path generation method for generating a tool path based on a function defining a curved surface in a three-dimensional space, the method comprising the steps of:

• inputting a first function derived from a polynomial expression including a plurality of coefficients representing a first curved surface which is a surface to be formed on a workpiece,
• generating a first tool path for forming the first curved surface based on the first function;
• inputting the first tool path to a numerical control device of a machine tool and machining the workpiece by relative movement between a tool and the workpiece along the first tool path;
• measuring a shape of the workpiece at a plurality of measurement points on a surface of the machined workpiece;
• calculating, for each of the measurement points, a symmetrical position of said each of the measurement points with respect to the first curved surface in a direction perpendicular to the first curved surface as a correction point;
• obtaining a second function representing a second curved surface based on a series of position data of the correction points by changing only the coefficients of the first function so as to fit the second curved surface to the series of position data of the correction points;
• and
• generating a second tool path for forming the second curved surface based on the second function.