This paper proposes a tool path generation method for machining impellers with 5-axis machining center. The shape of impeller is complex, being composed of pressure surface, suction surface and leading edge, and so on. The compound surface which is made of ruled surface such as pressure surface and suction surface and leading edge such as fillet surface, makes the tool path generation much complicated. To achieve efficient roughing, cutting area is divided into two region and then tool radius of maximum size that do not cause tool interference is selected for shortening machining time. In finishing, accuracy is improved using side cutting for blade surface and point milling for leading edge.
