Abstract: Proposed in this paper an approach that the hidden curve removal algorithm is used to determine the 5-axis millable areas of interference-free, which reduces the accessibility problem of 5-axis milling using a flat-end tool to a 3-axis accessibility problem based on the Gaussian mapping. That is, using the M^S mapping of a point q above surface S(u,v) and of constraining surfaces K(s,t), the surface S(u,v) regions that are hidden by constraining surfaces K(s,t) can be computed in the orthogonal space D, then the domain of the surfaces S(u,v) that can be milled using 5-axis flat-end tool without interference to constraining surface K(s,t) can be calculated by trimming away the hidden regions Back

Key words: 5-axis machining, hidden curve removal algorithm, millable regions, cutter interference