Algorithms for collision detection and avoidance for five-axis NC machining: A state of the art review

Five-axis CNC machine tools are more and more popular in machining area, because of their ability to machine parts with complex geometries efficiently as well as achieve higher dimensional accuracy. Since two additional rotational axes are introduced in five-axis machines, there are difficult geometric problems that need to be solved in order to take full advantages of five-axis machining, and the most complex problems are collision detection and avoidance. Due to its widespread importance, a lot of researches have been carried out to solve the collision detection and avoidance problems. These include the surface properties analysis based method, convex hull based method, CC-space based method, accessibility based method, bounding volume and space partition method, distance calculation (vector) based method, rolling ball method, radial projection method, graphic-assisted method, and sweep plane approach. This paper aims at providing a state of the art review on algorithms for collision detection and avoidance in five-axis NC machining. In addition, a comparison of algorithms for collision detection and avoidance is considered.