Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) are the first and final stages of modern computer assisted manufacturing. In the former, an engineer visualizes and designs the object to be manufactured. In the latter, a computer sequences a motor driven machine tool through specific paths to create the desired object. Linking these two is a process where a"tool-path"must be generated. This intermediate step is deemed lacking in capability by US Navy for complex 3D objects. In this effort, we will combine expertise in programming engineering solutions with recent developments in mathematics in the fields of topology and geometry to design new algorithms for quickly and automatically generating tool-paths for complex shapes, and optimizing them for lowest cost machining.
Keywords: CAM, CAM, Robotics, CAD, CNC, 5-axis, machining, topology
