Discretizors and interpolators for five-axis CNC machines

Discretization and interpolation of curves are two frequently adopted pract ices when machining complex curves using computer numerically controlled (C NC) machines. Both practices stem from the need to sample curves at discret e time intervals corresponding to the sampling period of the CNC machine. T his paper proposes new techniques for discretization and interpolation that account for the change of tool orientations in five-axis machining. First, the method for discretization proposed in this paper is based on sampling the curves such that specified contour, feedrate, and orientation errors ar e not exceeded. Second, the interpolator proposed in this paper will be abl e to avoid excessive angular speeds arising from sampling the curves based on the feedrate alone.