In the realm of CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing, CAM) tool path planning, iso-level methods have demonstrated significant advantages, including shorter path lengths and self-intersection avoidance. However, their practical application is constrained by exclusive reliance on triangular meshes and susceptibility to mesh quality issues, such as skinny triangles. To address these limitations, this paper presents a novel tool path generation method integrating heat diffusion theory and image processing, enabling compatibility with diverse CAD (Computer-Aided Design, CAD) formats (point clouds, triangular meshes, and B-rep models) while ensuring computational robustness. The approach projects input models onto a plane to form an image, then conducts heat diffusion simulations incorporating machining properties using image processing for stable and efficient computation, and extracts isotherm lines as tool paths. This method generates smooth tool paths with high efficiency in strip width utilization. Compared with the prior iso-level methods, it enables more rapid and stable computations and global multi-surface path planning for B-rep models. Experimental validation against a commercial software demonstrates superior performance in reducing machining time and improving surface quality.
Zhang et al. (2026) studied this question.