Rapid and Flexible Prototyping Through Direct Machining

Abstract

The rapid physical realization of a product from a CAD model prior to full scale manufacturing presents a challenging task for industrial companies, as well as academic researchers. This paper presents a rapid and flexible prototyping system designed to directly connect a CAD system (Alias) with a software based DMAC (Direct Machining And Control) controller. The overall architecture is presented and the tool path planning, animation, and direct machining under Alias are explained. The implementation of the proposed prototyping system is realized on a three-axis mill. An example of milling a real surface through this direct CNC system is presented and conclusions are drawn.

Keywords:

• free-form surface
• rapid prototyping
• direct machining
• path planning
• animation