Novel path interval formulas in 5-axis flat end milling

This study represents novel path interval formulas in 5-axis flat end milling. The demands for flat end milling with high accuracy are increasing more and more. Path interval determination is one of the computational processes in tool path generation, and its sophistication can offer further accuracy improvement in 5-axis flat end milling. However, to our knowledge, the practical formula has never been proposed so far. Hence, the purpose of this study is to provide the path interval formulas with wide applicability, robustness, efficiency, and accuracy. After coordinate systems and inclination angles were defined for geometrical treatment to 5-axis flat end milling, novel path interval formulas were proposed through geometrical derivation processes. The visual evidences with distinctive features were indicated with the analytical consideration; thereby, the path interval characteristics were revealed to offer a measure in deciding various machining conditions.