Data preparation device and method for preparing data for machining work

A tool path data preparation device for preparing tool path data on the basis of set machining areas, comprising:

• standard cutting area setting means for setting a cutting area to be cut at a standard cutting amount of tool;
• nonstandard cutting area setting means for setting a cutting area to be cut at a cutting amount which is smaller than the standard cutting amount of tool;
• selection means for selecting areas machinable at a cutting height corresponding to the standard cutting areas set by said standard cutting area setting means;
• grouping means for grouping on the basis of a neighboring relation the areas selected by said selection means;
• center locus preparation means for preparing a tool center locus for every group of areas grouped by said grouping means;
• closed area preparation means for preparing a closed area by enlarging, as much as the radius of a tool, the tool center locus prepared by said center locus preparation means;
• and
• machining area information preparation means for preparing machining area information composed of information on cutting heights, cutting ranges, machining areas and a parent-child relationship by preparing areas having parts in common with the closed area prepared by said closed area preparation means.

A tool path data preparation device comprising:

• storage means for storing a contour graphic form to be used for machining the contour of a machining area;
• offset means for causing line segments composing the contour graphic form stored by said storage means to be offset inwardly on the inner side of the contour graphic form as much as the radius of a tool for the purpose of preparing a tool center path for contour machining;
• and
• connection means for interconnecting, in a case where any adjacent offset line segments are parted from each other among offset line segments offset by said offset means, the parted adjacent offset line segments by a line segment in such a way as to cause the tool to move away temporarily from an angular part of the contour graphic form and to again come into contact with the contour graphic form.

A tool path data preparation device comprising:

• storage means for storing a contour graphic form to be used for machining the contour of a machining area;
• first offset means for causing each of offset line segments composing the contour graphic form stored by said storage means to be offset inwardly on the inner side of the contour graphic form as much as the radius of a tool for the purpose of preparing tool center path data for contour machining;
• first connection means for interconnecting, in a case where any adjacent offset line segments are parted from each other among offset line segments offset by said offset means, the parted adjacent offset line segments by a line segment in such a way as to cause the tool to move away temporarily from an angular part of the contour graphic form and to again come into contact with the contour graphic form:
• second offset means for causing each of line segments which are interconnected to compose a graphic form by said first connection means to be offset outwardly on the outer side of the graphic form as much as the radius of the tool for the purpose of preparing tool path data for contour machining;
• and
• second connection means for interconnecting, in a case where any adjacent offset line segments are parted from each other among offset line segments offset by said second offset means, the parted adjacent offset line segments.

A tool path data preparation device comprising:

• storage means for storing a contour graphic form to be used for machining the contour of a machining area;
• first graphic form preparation means for preparing a first graphic form by causing line segments composing the contour graphic form stored by said storage means to be offset inwardly on the inner side of the contour graphic form as much as the radius of a tool;
• second graphic form preparation means for preparing a second graphic form by causing line segments composing the first graphic form prepared by said first graphic form preparation means to be offset outwardly on the outer side of the first graphic form as much as the radius of the tool;
• third graphic form preparation means for preparing a third graphic form by causing line segments composing the second graphic form prepared by said second graphic form preparation means to be offset inwardly on the inner side of the second graphic form as much as the radius of the tool, the third graphic form being prepared for the purpose of preparing tool center path data for contour machining;
• and
• fourth graphic form preparation means for preparing a fourth graphic form by causing line segments which compose the third graphic form prepared by said third graphic form preparation means to be offset outward on the outer side of the third graphic form as much as the radius of the tool, the fourth graphic form being prepared for the purpose of preparing tool path data for contour machining.

A method of preparation of data for machining a work on the basis of information inputted from input means comprising:

• a step of inputting a machining target shape and machining information including at least a machining height;
• a step of preparing a relief shape for machining said work by expanding the machining target shape inputted;
• a step of preparing a first interference critical shape for the purpose of avoiding interference of a cutting edge;
• a step of preparing a machining area on the basis of the relief shape and the interference critical shape prepared;
• and
• a step of preparing a second interference critical shape for the purpose of avoiding interference of tool parts other than the cutting edge, said machining area preparing step being arranged to prepare the machining area on the basis of the relief shape, the interference critical shape and the shank interference critical shape prepared.