Device, system and methods for automatic development and optimization of positioning paths for multi-axis numerically controlled machining

A computing device for generating positioning path data for an NC program for a computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine, the computing device comprising:

• a processor for executing instructions;
• and
• a memory for storing instructions, which when executed by the processor configures the computing device to provide a method comprising:
• determining, by a computing device, a plurality of possible paths, each for repositioning a tool from a first configuration to a second configuration;
• determining, by the computing device, for each of the plurality of possible paths if the respective possible path is valid by simulating repositioning of the tool along the respective possible path using a simulation of the CNC machine;
• selecting, by the computing device, as a positioning path one of the plurality of possible paths determined to be valid;
• and
• generating, at the computing device, positioning path data for moving the tool of the CNC machine along the selected positioning path.

A system for machining a part, the system comprising:

• a computing device for generating positioning path data for an NC program for a computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine, the computing device comprising:
• a processor for executing instructions;
• and
• a memory for storing instructions, which when executed by the processor configures the computing device to provide a method comprising:
• determining, by a computing device, a plurality of possible paths, each for repositioning a tool from a first configuration to a second configuration;
• determining, by the computing device, for each of the plurality of possible paths if the respective possible path is valid by simulating repositioning of the tool along the respective possible path using a simulation of the CNC machine;
• selecting, by the computing device, as a positioning path one of the plurality of possible paths determined to be valid;
• and
• generating, at the computing device, positioning path data for moving the tool of the CNC machine along the selected positioning path;
• and
• a CNC machine for receiving the NC program and machining a part from a workpiece in accordance with the NC program.