Contour pocketing computation using mathematical morphology.

Tool path generation problem is one of the most complexes in computer aided manufacturing (CAM). Although some efficient algorithms have been developed to solve it, their technological dependency makes them efficient in only a limited number of cases. In the article we propose a model that will set apart the geometrical issues involved in the manufacturing process from the purely technology-dependent physical issues by means of a topological system. Presented in the paper there is a method for offsetting any kind of curve regardless of the machining technology (i.e., independent of any tool geometry: spherical, conical, toroidal and so on). Specifically, we use parametric cubic curves, which is one of the most general and popular models in CAD/CAM applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]