OPEN-ARCHITECTURE CONTROLLERS FOR MACHINE-TOOLS, PART-2 - A REAL-TIMEQUINTIC SPLINE INTERPOLATOR

In Part 2 of this two-part paper, we describe a new quintic spline int erpolator for real time trajectory generation during free form curve m achining on the Open Architecture machine tool platform described in P art I. The research provides new capabilities for advanced CAD/CAM sys tems. Complicated curves and shapes designed in a CAD system are usual ly represented by a set of discrete data points. Subsequently, for man ufacturing by a CAM system, these data points need to be converted int o tool paths for machining. Therefore, the paper presents a new interp olation method that interpolates the designated data points with a qui ntic spline curve for real-time tool path generation. The resultant cu rve, generated by the proposed interpolation method, is nearly arc-len gth parametrized and has C-3 continuity. The near arc-length parametri zation property makes the real time generation of the reference comman ds of the cutting tool path easier. The C-3 continuity guarantees the smooth motion of continuous speed, acceleration and even jerk during t he machining. The combined properties of this new interpolation method enable a new quintic spline interpolator to be developed for real tim e tool path generation.