High-speed contouring enhanced with P-H curves

In this paper, Pythagorean hodograph (P-H) curve theory is used for high-speed contouring applications. There are large contouring errors around sharp corners when low-bandwidth servo controllers (such as P-PI control) are used. It is possible to construct a P-H curve in the region of sharp corners in order to decrease the amount of cornering error. The developed algorithm is implemented for various corners with different angles. With respect to sharp tool paths, the total machining time is increased by a small amount, but the cornering error is reduced to the allowable tolerance limit. The results of simulation, such as the total cornering time and the cornering error, are compared with previously published methods. It has been shown that the over-corner P-H approach will substantially decrease the amount of cornering error.     

Real-time PH-based interpolation algorithm for high speed CNC machining

Various methods for parametric interpolation of non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS) curves have been proposed in the past. However, the errors caused by the approximate nature of the NURBS interpolator were rarely taken into account. This paper proposes an integrated look-ahead algorithm for parametric interpolation along NURBS curves. The algorithm interpolates the sharp corners on the curve with the Pythagorean-hodograph (PH) interpolation. This will minimize the geometric and interpolator approximation errors simultaneously. The algorithm consists of four different modules: a sharp corner detection module, a PH construction module, a feedrate planning module, and a dynamics module. Simulations are performed to show correctness of the proposed algorithm. Experiments on an X?CY table confirm that the developed method improves tracking and contour accuracies significantly compared to previously proposed algorithms.     

A local smoothing interpolation method for short line segments to realize continuous motion of tool axis acceleration

In traditional processing, a large number of G01 blocks are adopted to discretize free surface or curve for NC machining. But, the continuity of G01 line segments is only C⁰, which may lead to discontinuity of axis acceleration, resulting in the frequent fluctuation of tool motion at the junctions in high-speed machining, deteriorating the quality of work piece, and reducing processing efficiency. To solve this problem, a local smoothing interpolation method is proposed in this paper. At first, the analytic relationship between the continuity of the trajectory and the continuity of the axes motion is first systematically described by formula. Based on this relationship, a local smoothing algorithm and a feed-rate scheduling method are proposed to generate a C² continuous tool path motion with axis-acceleration continuity. The local smoothing algorithm smoothes the corners of G01 blocks by the cubic B-spline according to the cornering error tolerance specified by the user. After the feed rate at critical points of smoothed tool path was determined by a modified bidirectional scanning algorithm by considering constrains of chord error and kinematic property, an iterative S-shape feed rate scheduling is employed to minimize residual distance caused by round of time while ensuring the continuity of feed rate and acceleration. Then, a look-ahead interpolation strategy combined with smoothing algorithm and feed-rate scheduling as mentioned is proposed for real-time interpolation of short line segments. At last, simulations are conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed methods. Compared with the traditional G01 interpolation, it can significantly improve the processing efficiency and shorten the processing time within error tolerance.     

Correcting and compressing interpolation algorithm for free-form surface machining

The existing interpolation algorithm cannot meet the need of high-speed and high-accuracy machining of a free-form surface. So this paper proposed a correcting and compressing interpolation algorithm. Depending on the distance and angle evaluated from the adjacent command points, the machining path of free form can be divided into two machining types. For those regions where the accurate figure is critical such as corners, the convention linear interpolation is performed exactly between the adjacent command points. For those regions having a large radius of curvature where the smooth figure is critical, firstly, the interior point selection method based on circle transition is derived to reduce the tolerance between the machining path and the original surface; secondly, the interior point correction method based on the least-square method is proposed to reduce the calculation error and round-off error in the interior point and estimate the first- and second-order derivative vectors of the interior point; thirdly, the shape-defining point is selected by the bend direction of the machining path and fitted to a quintic spline curve which has the C2 continuity; fourthly, the fitting accuracy controlling method is proposed to ensure the machining accuracy; lastly, the curve interpolation is performed on the fitted smooth curve. Machining tests carried out on a vertical machining center show that the proposed algorithm can improve the machining efficiency and machining quality of a free-form surface.     

振动故障信号的软件积分研究与应用

分析了常用软件积分方法及其误差产生的原因,采用基于时域插值和FFT变换的波形修正算法进行改进。在时域插值后积分,利用最小二乘法拟合并去除积分后信号波形的趋势曲线;在频域使用FFT变换滤除积分后信号的趋势成分,修正积分后的曲线。汽轮发电机组振动分析表明,基于FFT变换的波形修正算法得到了较好的效果,为判断机组运行状态、进行故障诊断提供了依据。     

Development of a real-time trajectory generator for NURBS interpolation based on the two-stage interpolation method

This paper deals with the real-time NURBS interpolation method in which the interpolation error between the ideal curve and the interpolated curve is compensated within the machine basic length unit (BLU). Parametric curve interpolation methods are based on the Taylor series expansion of curve parameters and an approximation. This approach enables effective feed command generation following the target curve. However, the interpolation error caused by the curve segmentation cannot be controlled.In this research, a two-stage interpolation method that compensates for interpolation errors within machine BLU is proposed. The interpolation result was filtered by an acceleration/jerk limitation equation. Through this two-stage interpolation, both the interpolation error condition and the motion dynamics can be satisfied.Using computer simulations in which interpolation results are revaluated by a numerical iteration method, it is shown that the two-stage interpolation algorithm can interpolate target curves precisely with geometric and dynamic contentment. The proposed algorithm was implemented in the CNC simulator system and an experimental run was conducted to identify the real-time adaptation.     

自动调节进给速度的NURBS插补算法的研究与实现

现代计算机数控系统中已经普遍使用非均匀有理B样条插补,但大多数非均匀有理B样条插补算法都致力于取得恒定的进给速度而不是轮廓精度。对此,提出了一种限定弓高误差的自动调节进给速度的空间非均匀有理B样条曲线插补算法,它在通常加工时,是泰勒展开式2阶近似插补,而在小曲率半径零件的高速加工时,可以根据曲率半径和限定的弓高误差自动地调整进给速度,保证了轮廓加工精度。加工实例证实了这种插补算法的实时性和实际应用的可行性。     

Efficient high-speed cornering motions based on continuously-variable feedrates. I. Real-time interpolator algorithms

The problem of high-speed traversal of sharp toolpath corners, within a prescribed geometrical tolerance ??, is addressed. Each sharp corner is replaced by a quintic Pythagorean–hodograph (PH) curve that meets the incoming/outgoing path segments with G² continuity, and deviates from the exact corner by no more than the prescribed tolerance ??. The deviation and extremum curvature admit closed-form expressions in terms of the corner angle ?? and side-length L, allowing precise control over these quantities. The PH curves also permit a smooth modulation of feedrate around the corner by analytic reduction of the interpolation integral. To demonstrate this, real-time interpolator algorithms are developed for three model feedrate functions. Specifying the feedrate as a quintic polynomial in the curve parameter accommodates precise acceleration continuity, but has no obvious geometrical interpretation. An inverse linear dependence on curvature offers a purely geometrical specification, but incurs slight initial and final tangential acceleration discontinuities. As an alternative, a hybrid form that incorporates the main advantages of these two approaches is proposed. In each case, the ratio \(f=V_{\min }/V_{0}\) of the minimum and nominal feedrates is a free parameter, and the improved cornering time is analyzed. This paper develops the basic cornering algorithms—their implementation and performance analysis are described in detail in a companion paper.     

一种基于插值拟合的复杂刀具轨迹在线平滑压缩算法

提出了一种基于插值拟合的在线复杂刀具轨迹平滑压缩算法,该算法依据主导点的选取策略,对原始数据点进行离线预处理,然后进行主导点的在线插值拟合以及非主导点的误差检测,进而生成一条满足拟合精度要求的B样条曲线。主导点依据离散数据点的曲率阈值、曲率极大值、曲线拐点,以及分段Bezier曲线逼近拟合后的误差最大值点进行选取。在具有C2连续性的分段Bezier曲线逼近拟合前,需要利用长度均分策略,提取长度突变点作为新增的主导点,以保证拟合的准确性。对主导点进行B样条插值拟合后,利用轮廓误差跟随法对非主导点到拟合曲线的误差进行检测。该方法与牛顿迭代法相比,其计算速度更快且能提高算法效率。仿真结果表明,提出的算法可对复杂刀具轨迹进行平滑压缩,且误差检测的精度能够满足要求。     

Using wire electrical discharge machining for improved corner cutting accuracy of thin parts

The wire electrical discharge machining process (WEDM) allows one to achieved ruled surfaces along intricate contours in hard materials. When one intends to use such a machining process, one has to analyze both the magnitudes of the corners’ radii and the corner’s angles that are formed between adjoining surfaces. Some experimental research work carried out unveiled the systematic occurrence of machining errors when WEDM is used to obtain outside sharp corners, especially in small thickness workpieces. A permanent bending at the crest of sharp corners, which leads to a substantial deviation from the prescribed geometrical shape, was found. The deviation form depends on the magnetic properties of the workpiece material. The research was focused on establishing a means for characterizing this shape error. Moreover, the influence exerted by certain factors, such as the corner angle and the thickness of the workpiece on the above-mentioned machining error was quantified.     

High accurate interpolation of NURBS tool path for CNC machine tools

Feedrate fluctuation caused by approximation errors of interpolation methods has great effects on machining quality in NURBS interpolation, but few methods can efficiently eliminate or reduce it to a satisfying level without sacrificing the computing efficiency at present. In order to solve this problem, a high accurate interpolation method for NURBS tool path is proposed. The proposed method can efficiently reduce the feedrate fluctuation by forming a quartic equation with respect to the curve parameter increment, which can be efficiently solved by analytic methods in real-time. Theoretically, the proposed method can totally eliminate the feedrate fluctuation for any 2nd degree NURBS curves and can interpolate 3rd degree NURBS curves with minimal feedrate fluctuation. Moreover, a smooth feedrate planning algorithm is also proposed to generate smooth tool motion with considering multiple constraints and scheduling errors by an efficient planning strategy. Experiments are conducted to verify the feasibility and applicability of the proposed method. This research presents a novel NURBS interpolation method with not only high accuracy but also satisfying computing efficiency.     

An accurate surface error optimization for five-axis machining of freeform surfaces

This paper presents an accurate surface error interpolation algorithm for five-axis machining of freeform surfaces. One of the most important steps in the interpolation process is to calculate the next cutter contact (CC) point according to the present one. In this paper, the next CC point is calculated by an accurate chord evaluation method. This method is developed based on the cutting simulation process, which can be vividly described as firstly planting dense grasses on the tool path curve and then cutting them when the tool moves by. The left lengths of the grasses either positive or negative are considered to be the machining error. The method is accurate also because the tool geometry and the tool orientation changes during five-axis machining are taken into consideration. With this method, the chord errors between CC points are controlled uniform along the tool path. The proposed interpolation algorithm is compared with the commercial CAM systems like PowerMILL and UG. The results show that the proposed algorithm can significantly reduce the number of cutter locations meanwhile confine the chord error. A real cutting experiment is implemented, and the result indicates its promising value in industrial applications.     

Precision NURBS interpolator based on recursive characteristics of NURBS

In NURBS interpolation, real-time parameter update is an indispensable step which affects not only feedrate fluctuation but also contour error. Using Taylor approximation interpolation method to find the next interpolation point causes a large feedrate fluctuation due to the accumulation and truncation errors. This paper presents a new, simple, and precise NURBS interpolator for CNC systems. The proposed interpolation algorithm does not use Taylor’s expansion, but the recursive equation of the NURBS formula. A simulation study is conducted to demonstrate the advantages of this proposed interpolator compared with those using Taylor’s equation. It is readily seen that this interpolator using the new concept of interpolation for modern CNC systems is simple and precise. The proposed method can be used for interpolating a continuous NURBS curve.     

RTCP算法中无碰刀轴矢量的确定

针对五轴数控加工中主轴头中心角速度超限和非线性误差的问题,提出了基于旋转轴线性插补的RTCP算法,分析了插补过程中的全局干涉现象,推导了刀杆偏差系数公式,得到了RTCP模式下的无碰干涉区域,避免了干涉现象的发生。算法减小了非线性误差,保证了插补过程中机床旋转轴的运动平稳性,当刀具长度变化时无需重新通过后置处理生成数控程序,提高了加工效率。仿真结果证实了算法的可行性。     

Corner Transition Toolpath Generation Based on Velocity-Blending Algorithm for Glass Edge Grinding

Sharp corners usually are used on glass contours to meet the highly increasing demand for personalized products,but they result in a broken wheel center toolpath in edge grinding.To ensure that the whole wheel center toolpath is of G1 continuity and that the grinding depth is controllable at the corners,a transition toolpath generation method based on a velocity-blending algorithm is proposed.Taking the grinding depth into consideration,the sharp-corner grinding process is planned,and a velocity-blending algorithm is introduced.With the constraints,such as traverse displacement and grinding depth,the sharp-corner transition toolpath is generated with a three-phase motion arrangement and with confirmations of the acceleration/deceleration positions.A piece of glass with three sharp corners is ground on a three-axis numerical-control glass grinding equipment.The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can protect the sharp corners from breakage efficiently and achieve satisfactory shape accuracy.This research proposed a toolpath generation method based on a velocity-blending algorithm for the manufacturing of personalized glass products,which generates the transition toolpath as needed around a sharp corner in real time.     

一种简化计算的S型加减速NURBS插补算法

针对目前NURBS曲线插补中加减速控制方法不足的问题,实现了加工过程中进给速度的平滑过渡,提出了一种新的NURBS曲线插补方法,包括速度规划和实时插补两个方面。速度规划采用了一种基于曲率自适应的简化计算的S型加减速方法,并结合"双向插补"的思想实时预测减速点,防止产生过大的弓高误差;实时插补则利用Muller插值和Newton迭代法计算了下一周期的插补参数,进而求出了下一时刻到达的空间坐标点。最后与已有插补方法进行了仿真分析比较。研究结果表明,该方法能保证加速度连续和加加速度有界,有效减少弓高误差和进给速度波动,提高机床运行的平稳性。     

SURFACE MESH PARAMETERIZATION WITH NATURAL BOUNDARY

Using the projected curve of surface mesh boundary as parameter domain border, linear mapping parameterization with natural boundary is realized. A fast algorithm for least squares fitting plane of vertices in the mesh boundary is proposed. After the mesh boundary is projected onto the fitting plane, low-pass filtering is adopted to eliminate crossovers, sharp corners and cavities in the projected curve and convert it into an eligible convex parameter domain boundary. In order to facilitate quantitative evaluations of parameterization schemes, three distortion-measuring formulae are presented.     

NURBS曲线泰勒展开插补法的平稳性与改进研究

泰勒1阶或2阶级数展开是NURBS曲线迭代插补的常用方法,这种方法会导致弦长误差,从而导致速度波动与运动冲击。为此,分析了泰勒展开插补法的3种误差来源,提出了在1阶泰勒展开法基础上通过界定搜索邻域并采用二分插值搜索方法来精确求取插补点参数的改进方法。该方法充分利用了泰勒展开法的初始精度和NURBS曲线的局部线性特征。试验表明,平均位移相对误差降低至6.46×10-11,且每个插补周期的搜索不多于3次,从而有效抑制了速度波动,实现了高速平稳加工。     

An accurate adaptive parametric curve interpolator for NURBS curve interpolation

In this paper, an adaptive parametric curve interpolator with a real-time look-ahead function is developed for non-uniform rational B-spline curves (NURBS) interpolation, which considers the maximum acceleration/deceleration of the machine tool. In the proposed interpolator, both constant feedrate and high accuracy are achieved while the inconsistency of feedrate is reduced dramatically as well. In order to deal with the acceleration/deceleration around the feedrate sensitive corners, a look-ahead function is introduced to detect and adjust the feedrate adaptively. Two cases were respectively studied to evaluate the feasibility of the developed interpolator: one is for feedrate sensitive arc corner; the other is for feedrate sensitive sharp corner.     

A method for the evaluation and magnified representation of two-dimensional contouring error

The method of evaluating two-dimensional contouring error between the reference trajectory and the trajectory measured with a cross-grid encoder and magnifying the error is widely used. However, this method has a problem in that the inner cornering error is discontinuously magnified and represented and thus is not accurately detected. Several methods have been proposed to solve this problem, but they have limitations, such as the requirement that an offset value be set or the imposition of conditions on the reference trajectory. Therefore, by calculating errors in the inward direction from a longer trajectory to a shorter trajectory, this paper proposes a new method to continuously magnify and represent the inner cornering error including the corner vertex without the need to set an offset or the imposition of conditions on the reference trajectory. The proposed method was applied to the measurement results at an actual machining center. Consequently, the inner cornering error was continuously magnified and represented, and the error at a corner was accurately calculated using the proposed method.