Generation of safe tool-path for 2.5D milling/drilling machine-tool using 3D ToF sensor

The complexity of multi-axis, milling and drilling CNC machines and the demand of high precision for complex parts production increase the importance of safe and efficient tool-paths generation during manufacturing. In these machines, multi-tool working in the same area, or static un-programed machine elements, such as fixtures, another work-part may cause collision problems. It is important to know the collision risks in advance during production in order to avoid unexpected production stops, and machinery damage. This research study is focusing on automatic collision detection and avoidance for safe non-functional (rapid) tool-path generation in a static 2.5D milling or drilling machining environment, as an initial step toward complex, dynamic multi-axis machine-tool manufacturing. A 3D vision based Time of Flight (ToF) sensor provides the depth information about the manufacturing scene that are exploited by the method presented for taking an effective decision to automatically detect and avoid collisions in order to achieve safe tool-path during production. The concept presented opens up new areas for research and application of ToF camera in a CNC manufacturing environment for tool-path planning. The results obtained are for traversal safe tool-paths in a static environment, which will be adapted to more complex and dynamic real machining scenarios by integrating it with STEP-NC technology in future.