An intersection tracing method for interference-free planar tool-path generation

The generation of tool-paths is regarded as a well-known problem of offsetting curves. For any non-trivial geometry, the robustness of tool-path generation is determined by the reliable curves offset by a tool radius. The curve offset is compact with reliable operations for invalid loop removal between multiple offset curves. An algorithm for reducing 2D Boolean operations to a 1D problem on planar tool-path generation is presented in this paper. Traditional methods are either limited to certain types of polygons with efficient algorithms, or tend to be complicated and time consuming. In order to improve such removal functions, an algorithm based on FLTM (forward locus tracing method) is proposed. FLTM searches for all intervals directly split by intersections of complicate planar curves, transforming 2D transversal intersection problems into 1D interval identifications. This proposed FLTM-based mapping process may simplify interference detections and be implemented on computerised CAD/CAM systems. Examples with multiple profiles are demonstrated. The results show considerable efficiency and reliability in offset operations.