Abstract: A new algorithm for approximating offset surfaces by using univariate symmetric power basis is presented. It uses symmetric power basis to approximate u directional curves of tensor product Bézier surface, then it gets a set of offset approximating curves. From fixed v value of these curves, it will get a set of data points. The paper gets v directional approximating curves which get through these data points by anti algorithm of control points. Finally, rational approximating offset surface is got by using skinning surface algorithm. The algorithm is easy and solves the integral tolerance. Numerical examples show that it can achieve good effect with the raise of the S-power basis’ degree.

Key words: computer application, offset surface, tensor product Bézier surface, symmetric power basis, rational approximation, skinning surface algorithm