Abstract
Toolpaths generated from a CAD model do not necessarily produce a part which exactly matches the model part. To close up the gap between a CAD model and a machined model, this paper focuses on the development of a program to check the machinability of surface patches in relation to the cutting tool. A machinability check engine is formulated and implemented for verifying the machinability of surface patches. The structure of the machinability check engine consists of three components: the input parameters, the checking algorithm and the output surface map. The output surface map is called the Chow map. The algorithms for checking a single surface and multiple surface patches are presented. Sample runs of the machinability check engine are performed on three types of surface patch: standard-shaped surfaces, complex surfaces and textured surfaces. The machinability check engine can be incorporated into a CAD/CAM system for better surface design.