Adaptive-feedrate interpolation for parametric curves with a confined chord error

Abstract

Recently, modern manufacturing systems have been designed which can machine arbitrary parametric curves while greatly reducing data communication between CAD/CAM and CNC systems. However, a constant feedrate and chord accuracy between two interpolated points along parametric curves are generally difficult to achieve due to the non-uniform map between curves and parameters. A speed-con trolled interpolation algorithm with an adaptive feedrate is proposed in this paper. Since the chord error in interpolation depends on the curve speed and the radius of curvature, the feedrate in the proposed algorithm is automatically adjusted so that a specified limit on the chord error is met. Both simulation and experimental results for non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS) examples are provided to verify the feasibility and precision of the proposed interpolation algorithm. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.