Rapid Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Tool-path Programming

The proposal seeks to significantly automate the process of producing parts requiring multi-axis milling of sculpted surfaces as required by the Navy for hydro-shapes such as propellers. Harnessing recent university research involving the application of graphical processing units as inexpensive super-computing, a new subtractive 3D printing process will be applied. Phase I will work with the Navy to produce G-code mill programs in a format the Navy can import into third party CAM software packages. This unbiased verification will confirm to the Navy that the technology is suitable to its needs. A subsequent phase II effort would target the actual production of real parts via these mill programs as well as expansion of the automation to include part inspection.