A new tool path planning method for 5-axis flank milling of a globoidal indexing cam is developed in this paper. The globoidal indexing cam is a practical transmission mechanism due to its high transmission speed, accuracy and dynamic performance. Machining the cam profile is a complex and precise task. The profile surface of the globoidal cam is generated by the conjugate contact motion of the roller. The generated complex profile surface is usually machined by 5-axis point-milling method. The point-milling method is time-consuming compared with flank milling. The tool path for 5-axis flank milling of globoidal cam is developed to improve the cutting efficiency. The flank milling tool path is globally optimized according to the minimum zone criterion, and high accuracy is guaranteed. The computational example and cutting simulation finally validate the developed method., {"references":["H Y Chen and H Pottmann. Approximation by ruled surfaces. Journal of\nComputational and Applied Mathematics, 1999, 102(1): 143-156.","Liu X W. Five-axis NC cylindrical milling of sculptured surfaces.\nComputer-Aided Design, 1995, 27(12): 887-894.","Bohez E L J, Senadhera S D R, Pole K, Duflou J R, Tar T. A geometric\nmodeling and five-axis machining algorithm for centrifugal impellers.\nJournal of Manufacturing Systems, 1997, 16(6): 422-436.","Tsay D M, Her M J. Accurate 5-axis machining of twisted ruled surfaces.\nTrans. Of ASME, Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering,\n2001, 123(4): 731-738","Rubio W, Lagarrigue P, Dessein G, Pastor F. Calculation of tool paths for\na torus mill on free-form surfaces on five-axis machines with detection\nand elimination of interference. The International Journal of Advanced\nManufacturing Technology, 1998, 14(1): 13-20.","Redonnet J M, Rubio W, Dessein G. Side milling of ruled surfaces:\nOptimum positioning of the milling cutter and calculation of interference.\nThe International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 1998,\n14(7): 459-465.","Bedi S, Mann S, Menzel C. Flank milling with flat end milling cutters.\nComputer-Aided Design, 2003, 35(3):293-300.","Tsay D M, Her M J. Accurate 5-axis machining of twisted ruled surfaces.\nTrans. of ASME, Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering,\n2001, 123(4): 731-738.","Li C G, Bedi S, Mann S. Flank milling of ruled surface with conical\ntools - an optimization approach. The International Journal of Advanced\nManufacturing Technology, 2006, 29(11-12): 1115-1124.\n[10] Rong S L, Chen H S. Tool path generation and error control method for\nmulti-axis nc machining of spatial cam. International Journal of Machine\nTools and Manufacture, 1998, 38 (4) : 277-290\n[11] Lee J N, Lee R S. Interference-free toolpath generation using enveloping\nelement for five-axis machining of spatial cam. Journal of Materials\nProcessing Technology, 2007, 187-188:10-13\n[12] Rong S L, Jeng N L. New method of tool orientation determination by\nenveloping element for fiveaxis machining of spatial cam. International\nJournal of Production Research, 2002, 40 (10) , :2379-2398\n[13] Grant B, Soni A H. Survey of cam manufacture methods. J Mech Des\nTrans ASME ,1979,101(3): 455-464\n[14] Der M T, Hsien M W. A general approach to the determination of planar\nand spatial cam profiles. Journal of Mechanical Design, 1996,118(2):259-\n265.\n[15] Tsay D M, Ho HC. Consideration of manufacturing parameters in the\ndesign of grooved globoidal cam indexing mechanisms. Proceedings of\nthe Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part C: Journal of Mechanical\nEngineering Science, 2001, 215 (1) : 95-103.\n[16] Kong M, Hu Z H, Li H, et al. Cutter Location Optimization Algorithm\nfor One-side NC Machining of Globoidal Cams Based on Equidistant\nSurfaces. Chinese Journal of Mechanical engineering. 2008, 44(11):277-\n282."]}