In numerically controlled(NC) machining simulation, a Z-map has been used frequently for representing a workpiece. Since the Z-map is usually represented by a set of Z-axis aligned vectors, the machining process can be simulated through calculating the intersection points between the vectors and the surface swept by a machining tool. In this paper, we present an efficient method to calculate those intersection points when an APT-type tool moves along a linear tool path. Each of the intersection points can be expressed as the solution of a system of non-linear equations. We transform this system of equations into a single-variable equation, and calculate the candidate interval in which the unique solution exists. We prove the existence of a solution and its uniqueness in this candidate interval. Based on these characteristics, we can effectively apply numerical methods to finally calculate the solution of the non-linear equations within a given precision. The whole process of NC simulation can be achieved by updating the Z-map properly. Our method can provide more accurate results with a little more processing time, in comparison with the previous closed-form solution.