Methods and apparatus for generating control data for the formation of a tooth flank by milling a workpiece on a machine tool

An apparatus for generating control data for the formation of a tooth flank by milling a workpiece on a numerically controlled machine tool with at least 5 axes, at a universal machine tool, through successive passes with a milling cutter on the machine tool based on generated control data, the method comprising:

• first input means for defining tooth flank geometry,
• second input means for determining a contact pattern area on the predefined tooth flank geometry,
• third input means for determining parameters for varying the predefined tooth flank geometry, and
• control data generating means for generating control data on the basis of tooth flank geometry modified based on the defined contact pattern area and of the defined parameters.