High-end subtractive fabrication machining technology with high efficiency and high surface quality occupies a growing proportion in complex workpiece manufacturing. The whole frame includes computer aided design (CAD), computer aided manufacturing (CAM) and computer numerical control (CNC) processes. Currently, people require CAD and CAM to have higher precision and higher efficiency in practical CNC machining. Among them, tool path generation is a fundamental element, as it bridges the geometry designed in CAD and the machining process controlled in CAM. Therefore, the quality of the tool path intrinsically influences the machining accuracy and efficiency of the machined surface. In this talk, we will present the recent progress of our research group in the area of tool path planning. The construction of tool paths in free form surface machining can be based on plenty of quality objectives, such as less machining error, shorter path length, higher smoothness, and single start-end point constraints, which would directly impact the performance and costs in the entire product lifecycle from design to recycling. And we will introduce several tool path planning methods optimized based on these criteria. After that, the specific CAM process development will be introduced, because there is still a long distance between the tool path planning methods at the scientific research level and the practical CAM processing modules. Some common CAM processes used in modern industry, such as Swarf Finishing, Surface Finishing, Steep and Shallow Finishing, and Corner Finishing, will be demonstrated and explained.