NC tool path generation approach based on STL

Nowadays most of NC tool path processing methods are based on parametric surface. This paper presents a new approach of NC tool path generation based on STL, which is discrete triangle mesh and often used for bone tissue engineering. In order to complete the cutter locations, a 2D curve offset algorithm should be used. Instead of using the method presented in [4], a different method is provided. This tool path generation approach is more effective than previous method in dealing with cases of incorrect lines between two right lines, especially in dealing with the position index, which can be used for the cavity milling and the contour milling and particularly suitable for those workpieces that gradually larger from top to bottom.