A method for generating multiple solutions for multipoint five-axis tool positioning

Multipoint machining (MPM) strategies are a class of methods that use the flexibility of a five-axis machine to position a tool in close proximity of the desired surface so that the tool touches the surface on at least two points of contact. However, existing multipoint methods cannot control the spacing between the two points of contact. This paper presents a new technique, called the Drop, Spin, and Tilt (DST) method that can generate multiple contact points at varying distances around the first point of contact. The multiple DST second points of contact were used to manually generate a toolpath with uniform spacing between the two points of contact. While a uniform space could be attained at most tool positions, problem cases were encountered demonstrating that more work is required for an algorithmic version of this process. The proposed method was implemented in a symbolic algebra system and verified on a variety of surfaces.