A system architecture of solid-based NC simulation for milling machining is given, the function of which is composed of cutting simulation of different cutters, such as flat-end cutters, ball-end cutters, dome-end cutters, angle cutters and drill cutters, rapid pre-checking of interference, detection of collision, and visualization of over cut in the stock. A new method based on the design model is raised to detect the collision and pre-check the interference during NC milling machining. A special problem about the construction of a cutter′s swept volume, self-intersection is discussed. All the work on the construction, the subtraction and the display of solids is accomplished with the help of ACIS 3-D modeling.
