Numerically controlled machining method using primary and compensating cutters

An NC machining method for machining a workpiece with a primary cutter in a primary machining mode and then machining workpiece portions left uncut by the primary cutter with a compensation cutter in a compensation machining mode to thereby produce a desired final cut shape, said NC machining method comprising the steps of:

• entering data on the original shape of the workpiece, the desired final cut shape, and the shape of the primary cutter into an NC apparatus;
• automatically determining the uncut workpiece portions based on said entered data, said uncut workpiece portions comprising those portions of said workpiece which must be cut to achieve said final cut shape, but which cannot be reached using said primary cutter;
• automatically selecting a compensation cutter suitable for cutting off said uncut workpiece portions in the compensation machining mode;
• setting data on the depth of cut and selecting the clearance of the compensation cutter, said clearance being selected by setting a distance between the compensation cutter and workpiece so as to prevent the compensation cutter from contacting the workpiece;
• determining paths of travel of said compensation cutter from the uncut workpiece portions, the depth of cut of said compensation cutter, and said clearance of said compensation cutter;
• and
• cutting off said uncut workpiece portions by moving said compensation cutter along the determined paths of travel.