A real-time CNC interpolator algorithm for trimming and filling planar offset curves

• Published in: Computer aided design Vol. 86; pp. 1 - 11
• Main Authors: Farouki, Rida T., Srinathu, Jyothirmai
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier Ltd 01.05.2017; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Algorithms; CNC machine; Curvature; Footpoint; Numerical controls; Offset curve trimming and filling; Point/curve distance function; Real time; Real-time interpolator; Tool radius compensation; Trimming; Real-time interpolator; Tool radius compensation; Point/curve distance function; CNC machine; Offset curve trimming and filling; Footpoint
• ISSN: 0010-4485; 1879-2685
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cad.2017.01.001

Tool paths for CNC machines must be offset from the desired part shape, in order to compensate for the tool radius. To avoid gouging the part geometry and to ensure continuous paths, the offset construction employs trimming and filling operations at tangent discontinuities and regions of high concave curvature on the part shape. Typically, offset paths are constructed offline in a CAM system — the resulting paths are inherently approximate, and must be re-generated when a different tool size is selected. To circumvent these shortcomings, an interpolator algorithm for real-time offset curve trimming and filling is developed and verified herein. Since the algorithm uses the exact part geometry, offset path approximation errors are completely eliminated. Circular fill arcs of the appropriate angular extent are automatically executed at convex tangent-discontinuous junctures of adjacent part boundary segments, and offset trimming operations are triggered by real-time point/curve distance computations, which determine footpoints of the instantaneous tool position on the part boundary. The algorithm also accommodates feedrates that correspond to a constant speed of either the tool/part contact point, or the tool center. The practical feasibility of the method is demonstrated by an implementation on a 3-axis CNC mill governed by an open-architecture software controller. •Automatic tool radius compensation in CNC machining is achieved by an algorithm for real-time offset curve trimming and filling.•The algorithm employs the exact analytic part geometry, avoiding the need for offset curve approximations.•Feedrates corresponding to a constant speed of the tool center, and of the tool/part contact point, are accommodated.•The feasibility of the method is demonstrated by implementation on a 3-axis CNC mill with an open-architecture controller.