• Korean Journal of Computational Design and Engineering
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• v.11 no.5
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• pp.375-383
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• 2006

Presented in this paper is a new fast and robust algorithm generating NC tool path for 2D pockets with islands. The input shapes are composed of line segments and circular arcs. The algorithm has two steps: creation of successive offset loops and linking the loops to a tool path. A modified pairwise technique is developed in order to speed up and stabilize the offset process, and the linking algorithm is focused on avoiding thin-wall cutting and minimizing tool retractions. The proposed algorithm has been implemented in C++ and some illustrative examples are presented to show the practical strength of the algorithm.