Multi-axis cutter diameter compensation for numeric control machine tools

A software product for commencing an executable instruction set directing an automated tool to machine a part, the software product comprising:

• a user-interface stored at a first addressable memory site within a network, the interface including:
• a first software component configured to select an identity of a cutter based upon a radius of the cutter, the radius being stored at a second addressable site within the network in association with the identity of the cutter;
• a second software component configured to select a name of a part for production, a numeric model of the part being stored at a third addressable site within the network in association with the name;
• and
• a third software component configured to initiate an executable program for execution on an automated tool, the third software component being stored at a fourth addressable site within the network, the third software component being configured to generate an executable instruction set based upon the selected cutter and associated data set and the selected part and associated numeric model, the third software component being further configured for storing the executable instruction set at a fifth addressable memory site within a network.

A tool for automatically milling a part, the tool comprising:

• a controllable end effecter with a chuck to accept a cutter with a known radius, the end effecter being configured to mill a part;
• and
• a central processing unit electrically coupled to the end effecter such that the central processing unit being configured to control the end effecter, the central processing unit including:
• an addressable memory;
• a user-interface stored at a first addressable memory site within the addressable memory, the interface including:
• a first software component configured to select an identity of the cutter inserted in the chuck based upon a radius of the cutter, the radius being stored at a second addressable site within the addressable memory in association with the identity of the cutter;
• a second software component configured to select a name of a part for production, a numeric model of the part being stored at a third addressable site within the addressable memory in association with the name;
• and
• a third software component configured to initiate an executable program for execution on an automated tool, the third software component being stored at a fourth addressable site within the addressable memory, the third software component being further configured to generate an executable instruction set based upon the selected cutter and associated data set and the selected part and associated numeric model, the third software component storing the executable instruction set at a fifth addressable memory site within the network.