Survey on Simulation Methods in Multi-axis Machining

In industry, the evolution of productivity and quality of mechanical manufacture of complex shape parts (mold, automobile, form…) is marked by the development of several machining simulation techniques for modeling and predicting the manufacturing process to represent the most realistic cut phenomenon. There exist several machining simulation techniques and touch various levels. Thus, this chapter summarizes the literature review and presents the techniques in a simplified scheme for the rapid exploration in this area, and in order to direct the reader to select an appropriate approach linked to a geometric or physical problem at a given scales in Part-Tool-Machine system. Particular attention is given to geometric simulation methods of the macroscopic scale; completed by brief comparison between models of workpiece representation for material removal process (Dexel, Voxel, Triple-Dexel).