Method and apparatus for non-rotary machining

A method for machining a workpiece using a non-rotary machine tool comprising the steps of:

• positioning a cutting tool at a starting position on the surface of a non-rotating workpiece;
• moving the cutting tool along a three dimensional cutting path in a non-rotary manner at a substantially high surface footage so as to remove material from the workpiece;
• and
• repositioning the cutting tool as needed at a starting positions for additional paths in order to produce a precision shape and finish on the workpiece.

A method for removing material from a workpiece for providing a substantially fine surface finish comprising the steps of:

• a) positioning a non-rotating cutting tool so that it contacts the surface of a non-rotating workpiece;
• b) driving the non-rotating cutting tool across the surface of the non-rotating workpiece in any of a three dimensional cutting path so that material is removed from the surface;
• c) repositioning the face of the tool within a three-dimensional work envelope relative to the workpiece so as to remove additional material;
• and
• d) repeating steps a) through c) to create a finely machined complex surface.

A method of machining a surface of a part comprising:

• providing a machine capable of performing a milling operation;
• providing a cutting tool;
• fixturing the cutting tool to the machine capable of performing a milling operation;
• moving the cutting tool at a substantially high velocity in a non-rotational manner such that cutting tool can be oriented in any of three dimensions with respect to the part while a portion of the cutting tool is in contact with the part to thereby cut a portion of the part away and machine the surface;
• and
• repeatedly moving the cutting tool in a three dimensional cutting path along any of a plurality of pathways that are generally parallel to each other.

A non-rotary shaping center for machining a workpiece comprising:

• a tool holder;
• a non-rotating cutting tool having a cutting edge positioned within the tool holder;
• and
• wherein the non-rotating cutting tool is oriented at any angle relative to a predetermined path so that the cutting edge moves with sufficient surface footage in any of a three dimensional cutting path to remove material from the workpiece.