Area machining method

Abstract

An area machining method capable of generating tool paths with no insufficient cut portion. First, a part profile contour indicating a profile contour for area machining and various machining conditions such as tool radius, depth of cut and the like are preset. Then the outmost offset contour and other subsequent offset contours are obtained, the outmost offset contour being offset along the part profile contour by an amount of the sum of a tool radius and finishing allowance, and the other subsequent offset contours being offset repeatedly from the outmost offset contour in sequence by an amount of depth of cut in the inside direction. Next, contours of insufficient cut portions which are produced between adjacent offset contours are obtained. Subsequently, tool paths each of which connects between offset contours and between an offset contour and a corresponding insufficient cut portion contour are outputted. At this time, insufficient cut portion contours are added to tool paths by changing a tool path to an insufficient cut portion contour if the insufficient cut portion contour is present near the current path while outputting an offset contour as a tool path.

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