For high-speed machining, special tool paths are required wherewith the tool load
is well-controlled, and the path is sufficiently smooth. One of the most effective
solutions for controlling the tool load is to keep the cutter engagement constant.
For this purpose, advanced tool path generating cycles are available in CAM systems.
In case of slot machining, these cycles result in a trochoidal tool path. Since the
CAM systems generate these tool paths regardless of the special geometric boundary
conditions, each trochoidal period must be calculated separately. However, in our
previous researches, it has been observed that the loops of the trochoidal tool path
which provide a constant cutter engagement become uniform after a few periods. In
this paper, a new method is presented, which can be used for generating this uniform
trochoidal tool path shape. The developed method was compared to conventional trochoidal
strategies, that were using circular or cycloid curves, and it proved to be significantly
better than the traditional solutions. Considering its improved machining efficiency,
simplifying the calculation process of this modern strategy can facilitate a wider
use. In addition, the formal description of the path generation method provides further
opportunities for optimisation.
