Optimal curvature-smooth transition and efficient feedrate optimization method with axis kinematic limitations for linear toolpath

In industrial areas, the machining performance with linear G01 code is a crucial indicator to evaluate the computer numerical control (CNC) systems and many researchers have presented various methods to deal with the corner tracking issue. However, the axis jerk limitations are not satisfied well and the different axis kinematic limitations are not considered in most researches, which will reduce the machining efficiency and machining quality simultaneously. In this paper, a novel method including trajectory planning, feedrate scheduling, and interpolating is proposed to obtain better machining quality and higher machining efficiency. In trajectory planning, a B-spline curve is utilized to smooth the linear toolpath and obtain a curvature-smooth trajectory, which is third-order geometry continuous. Thereby, a time-optimal method for the geometric continuous trajectory is proposed based on linear programming algorithm in the feedrate scheduling and the bounded multi-constraints, including axis velocity, axis acceleration, axis jerk, and feedrate. Moreover, it can be seen that the proposed method is near Bang-bang control. To reduce the computation time of the optimal numerical method, an efficient method with a look-ahead window around the transition B-spline curve is applied. In the interpolation stage, a novel interpolation method about arc-length is proposed to improve computation efficiency. Finally, simulation and experiment are conducted to show superiorities of the proposed method to the already existing approaches. The results show that the cycling time of the proposed method is reduced by more than 7% than G² method and 20% than G³ method with better contour performance.     

五轴微段平滑插补算法

在五轴加工编程中,计算机辅助制造系统对曲面加工通常采用以折代曲,采用大量的微小G01直线段来加工曲面,在曲率半径较大的工件表面会出现明显折痕,严重影响工件表面的加工质量。为提高五轴数控加工工件的表面质量,提出一种五轴微段平滑插补算法。该算法考虑五轴加工中刀位数据的量纲差异,根据相邻数据点间的线性轴长度、线性轴的夹角和旋转轴角度变化量识别五轴数控加工程序中非连续微段和连续微段加工区域。对非连续微段加工区域按照原始直线段和旋转轴直接插补,从而保证加工精度。对连续微段加工区域,先通过五维变量获取节点参数,采用最小二乘法对指令点在允许的精度范围内进行修正;对修正后的指令点采用4点构造法计算二阶切矢,根据连续微段的指令点修正值,节点参数值和对应的二阶切矢值获取二阶连续的三次样条曲线;在二阶连续平滑的曲线上进行实时插补计算,控制机床进行五轴加工。试验结果表明:通过提出的五轴微段平滑压缩算法拟合后的路径要更加接近原始的曲面模型,平滑处理过的实际工件加工表面也要优于未进行处理的工件加工表面,提高了五轴自由曲面的表面质量。     

Variable Feedrate CNC Interpolation for Planar Implicit Curves

The machining of planar implicit curves is common in computer numerical control (CNC) machining. It is usually carried out through approximating these curves as segments of straight line/circular arc for CNC interpolation. This paper considers real-time variable feedrate interpolation of planar implicit curves. Geometric entities of planar implicit curves were related to motion entities along the curve. The results were then used to develop real-time variable feedrate schemes for geometry-dependent feedrate and time-varying feedrate interp-olation in general. Detailed schemes have been worked out for the cases of varying the feedrate for constant contour error and for initial acceleration/final deceleration. Examples have been provided to demonstrate how these schemes can be used in combination to enhance the efficiency of machining. They demonstrate how the feedrate for curve interpolation can be varied according to feedrate and feed-acceleration constraintson the machine tool and contour error constraint on the machined product.     

三次均匀B样条曲线高速实时插补研究

为满足复杂曲线高速和高精度的加工要求,研究了具有轨迹预读功能的三次均匀B样条曲线速度规划和插补算法.提出了"重叠拼接法",实现了相邻两条B样条曲线段的光滑连接;推导了插补钳制速度的计算公式,保证了加工精度,满足了系统的动态响应能力.在引入"规划单元"概念的基础上,将速度规划和插补设计成B样条曲线插值、规划单元划分、速度规划、规划单元插补四个并行计算的线程,解决了三次均匀B样条曲线高速加工的插补实时性问题.最后,在GT100数控系统中验证了算法的有效性.     

面向高速加工的样条曲线实时插补算法

数控加工追求更高的加工效率和光洁的加工表面,但大多数样条曲线插补算法是根据进给速度、最大合加/减速度和合加加速度来设计的,并没有考虑如何充分利用单轴的最大加减速能力。提出一种时间近似最优的样条曲线实时插补算法,它面向数控系统对高速加工的需求,在考虑机床动态性能的基础上,充分利用单轴的最大加减速能力,以达到理论上近似最优的加工效率。同时该算法通过预处理求速度限制曲线、速度曲线反向链接和平滑处理三个步骤求出满足加工精度以及机床单轴的最大加速度、加加速度等约束条件的加工速度曲线,能有效提高加工表面的粗糙度。仿真结果表明,该算法在有效提高加工效率的同时,能实现对减速点的精确定位,得到光滑的加工速度曲线。     

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.     

基于过控制顶点曲线的微线段过渡插补方法

针对微线段数控加工过程中的插补问题,为减小微线段数控加工中的速度波动,实现转接点的平滑过渡,提出过控制顶点曲线的过渡插补算法。首先构建微线段曲线的过渡矢量模型,根据基于特征多边形顶点的曲线模型的几何特性,构建过控制顶点曲线的过渡矢量模型,然后采用过控制顶点曲线过渡模型对微线段进行插补计算,根据加工误差计算控制顶点,确定约束速度并实时进行前瞻处理,最后通过实例进行了验证。实验结果表明,所提出的方法有效地提高了微线段转接速度,缩短了加工时间,实现了曲线的平滑过渡。     

Development of a real-time look-ahead interpolation methodology with spline-fitting technique for high-speed machining

Methodologies for converting short line segments into parametric curves were proposed in the past. However, most of the algorithms only consider the position continuity at the junctions of parametric curves. The discontinuity of the slope and curvature at the junctions of the parametric curve might cause feedrate fluctuation and velocity discontinuous. This paper proposes a look-ahead interpolation scheme for short line segments. The proposed interpolation method consists of two modules: spline-fitting and acceleration/deceleration (acc/dec) feedrate-planning modules. The spline-fitting module first looks ahead several short line segments and converts them into parametric curves. The continuities of the slope and curvature at each junctions of the spline curve are ensured. Then the acc/dec feedrate-planning module proposes a new algorithm to determine the feedrate at the junction of the fitting curve and unfitted short segments, and the corner feedrate within the fitting curve. The chord error and acceleration of the trajectory are bounded with the proposed algorithm. Simulations are performed to validate the tracking and contour accuracies of the proposed method. The computational efforts between the proposed algorithm and the non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS)-fitting technique are compared to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method. Finally, experiments on a PC-based control system are conducted to demonstrate that the proposed interpolation method can achieve better accuracy and reduce machining time as compared to the approximation optimal feedrate interpolation algorithm.     

基于进给速度敏感点识别的NURBS曲线平滑插补算法研究

提出了一种基于进给速度敏感点识别的NURBS曲线插补算法,该方法对于兼容NURBS形式的高档数控系统至关重要。粗插补计算造成的轮廓误差与插补经过该点时的进给速度大小有关,敏感点则可根据插补微段逼近时的弓高误差来界定。进而,根据相邻敏感点之间的距离,通过增设安全缓冲区等方法,进行速度曲线自适应规划。整体进给速度曲线可以由各部分进给速度曲线连接而成。为评价算法的有效性,采用3次NURBS曲线在三种不同进给速度指令下进行仿真计算。仿真结果证明,该算法很好地将轮廓精度和进给速度的平滑性进行了系统考虑,能在相邻危险点复杂分布的情况下执行柔性的插补控制。     

CNC系统中三次B-样条曲线的高速插补方法研究

基于参数方程的矢量表示方法,导出CNC系统中三次B－样条曲线的一种高速插补算法。该算法不仅理论上可使所有插补点落在曲线上,而且由于实时插补过程中只有加法运算,因而插补速度极高,基本上适用于任何硬件环境。误差分析表明,只要合理选择参数增量,总能保证插补的弓高误差满足加工精度要求,总能控制机床的实际运动速度满足程编要求。     

高速装备前瞻自适应速度优化算法

为了实现高速加工中进给速度的高速衔接,避免因加速度突变导致对数控设备的冲击,提出了一种基于插补前S曲线加减速的前瞻自适应速度优化算法。该算法能够根据加工段的过渡情况自动调节预读段数。以进给速度最大化为目标,在预读段衔接进给速度限制和加工过程平滑减速的约束条件下,根据离散化S曲线加减速规律求解最优衔接进给速度。将求得的最优衔接进给速度作为相应加工段的实际末速度,来实现加工段的速度控制。给出了该算法在高速数控系统中的实现方法,并在管切割数控系统中得到了应用。实验结果表明,该算法能够实现进给速度的高速、平滑衔接,满足高速加工的要求。     

A look-ahead and adaptive speed control algorithm for high-speed CNC equipment

A novel look-ahead and adaptive speed control algorithm is proposed. The algorithm improves the efficiency of rapid linking of feedrate for high-speed machining and avoids impact caused by acceleration gust. Firstly, discrete S-curve speed control algorithm is presented according to the principle of S-curve acceleration and deceleration. Secondly, constraints of linked feedrates are derived from several limits, including the axis feedrate and feed acceleration limits, the circular arc radius error limit, and the machining segment length limit. With these constraints, the optimal linked feedrate is sought to achieve the maximum feedrate by using look-ahead method. Since the actual ending velocity of machining segment equals to the corresponding optimal linked feedrate, speed control of each segment can be executed. Finally, the proposed algorithm is implemented in a pipe cutting CNC system, and experimental results show that the proposed algorithm achieves a high-speed and smooth linking feedrate and improvements in productivity and stationarity.     

Design of a real-time adaptive interpolator with parameter compensation

The interpolator is the key part of a CNC system, which has strong effect on machining accuracy, tool motion smoothness, and machining efficiency. In this paper, a real-time adaptive interpolator is developed for non-uniform rational B-spline curves (NURBS) interpolation while considering the maximum acceleration/deceleration of the machine tool. In this proposed interpolator, both constant feedrate and high accuracy are achieved while the inconsistency of feedrate is dramatically reduced as well. In order to deal with the acceleration/deceleration around the feedrate-sensitive sharp corners, a look-ahead function is introduced to detect and adjust the feedrate adaptively. Furthermore, a parameter compensation scheme is proposed to eliminate the parametric truncation error which has been analyzed by several researchers but still not incorporated into any real-time interpolator so far. A case study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of the developed interpolator.     

Curve interpolation with variable feedrate for surface requirement

Finish machining of a curved surface is often carried out by an NC system with curve interpolation in the field. This function, called a NURBS interpolation, adopts a feedrate optimizing strategy based on both the geometrical information of the curved path and dynamic properties such as the curvature of the curve, the allowable acceleration and the time constant. However, in the case of a finish cut using a ball-end mill, the curve interpolator needs to take the machining process into account for improved surface roughness, while reducing the polishing time. This surface roughness on high-speed machining is theoretically defined by the feed per tooth and the pickfeed at the given radius of the tool. In this study, the effect of low machinability at the bottom of a tool on surface roughness is also considered. A curve interpolation algorithm is proposed for generating particular feedrate commands that are able to control the roughness of a curved surface. The simulation of the machined surface by the proposed algorithm was carried out, and experimental results are presented. A feedrate scheme that depends on the inclination angle has important potential application in part finishes consistent with prescribed surface roughness. The results show that the proposed algorithm is potentially useful for roughness-controlled machining of curved surface products.     

A Cutter Orientation Modification Method for the Reduction of Non-linearity Errors in Five-Axis CNC Machining

In the machining of sculptured surfaces, five-axis CNC machine tools provide more flexibility to realize the cutter position as its axis orientation spatially changes. Conventional five-axis machining uses straight line segments to connect consecutive machining data points, and uses linear interpolation to generate command signals for positions between end points. Due to five-axis simultaneous and coupled rotary and linear movements, the actual machining motion trajectory is a non-linear path. The non-linear curve segments deviate from the linearly interpolated straight line segments, resulting in a non-linearity machining error in each machining step. These non-linearity errors, in addition to the linearity error, commonly create obstacles to the assurance of high machining precision. In this paper, a novel methodology for solving the non-linearity errors problem in five-axis CNC machining is presented. The proposed method is based on the machine type-specific kinematics and the machining motion trajectory. Non-linearity errors are reduced by modifying the cutter orientations without inserting additional machining data points. An off-line processing of a set of tool path data for machining a sculptured surface illustrates that the proposed method increases machining precision.     

临界曲率值分割曲线尖角的NURBS曲线插补

为兼顾插补含尖角NURBS曲线的精度与速度,提出尖角分割且速度修正插补算法。由插补弦高误差限、法向加速度及其导数约束,得满足插补精度及机床动力学性能的临界曲率;用大于临界曲率的局部极大曲率及临界曲率分割NURBS曲线为是否包含尖角的若干子段;用S曲线加减速算法规划各子段进给速度,并用段间速度及位移协调关系修正各段加速度及其导数,使各段加减速时间为整数倍插补周期。在相同约束条件下,分别用曲率单调无速度修正、尖角分割无速度修正及尖角分割有速度修正算法,规划一条含大曲率尖角NURBS曲线插补速度,并用一阶泰勒级数展开算法插补该曲线。对比结果表明尖角分割且有速度修正算法可稳定得到较高插补精度,因此该算法可用于含大曲率尖角NURBS曲线高速度高精度加工。     

A strain energy minimization method for generating continuous NURBS-based motion curves in free-form surface machining

In spline-based free-form surface machining, segmented toolpaths are inevitable, and the discontinuities between segments cause large feedrate errors in the generated motion commands. Methods of the geometric design to create smooth composite curves may introduce new error sources in the original curve, and thus they are not suitable for motion planning in high precision free-form surface machining. In this paper, a strain energy minimization model (SEMM) and a non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS)-based motion planning algorithm is proposed for free-form surface machining. The proposed SEMM and motion planning algorithm are capable of creating composite NURBS-based motion curves with up to C2 integral continuity without oscillations. Results from simulation show that with the proposed energy minimization model and motion curve generation algorithm, the feedrate errors caused by discontinuities in toolpaths can be effectively removed.     

Adaptive parametric interpolation scheme with limited acceleration and jerk values for NC machining

Parametric interpolation has many advantages over the traditional linear or circular interpolation in computer numerical control (CNC) machining. The existing work in this regard is reported to have achieved constant feedrate, confined chord error and limited acceleration/deceleration in one interpolator. However, the excessive jerk still exists due to abrupt change in acceleration profile, which will cause shock to the machine as well as deteriorate the surface accuracy. In this paper, an adaptive interpolation scheme incorporating machine’s dynamics capability consideration is proposed and illustrated in details. In the proposed algorithm, the commanded feedrate is maintained at most of the time and adaptively reduced in large curvature areas to meet the demand of the machining accuracy requirement, while at the same time, the acceleration and jerk values are limited within the machine’s capabilities during the whole interpolation process. It ensures a high machining accuracy, eliminates the phenomenon of overshoot/undershoot and reduces mechanical shock to the machine tools. The real-time performance of this interpolator is also measured to demonstrate its practical application. Two non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS) curve interpolation experiments are provided to verify the feasibility and advantages of the proposed scheme.     

Real-time NURBS interpolator: application to short linear segments

This study proposes the use of a real-time non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS) interpolator with a look-ahead function to handle numerous short linear segments. The short linear segments conforming to the continuous short block (CSB) criterion can be fitted into NURBS curves in real time. A modified maximum feedrate equation based on the geometric characteristics of the fitting curves and the dynamics of the servo control system has been derived in this paper. Taking advantage of the multi-thread design and the look-ahead function, the real-time NURBS interpolator can process enough G01 block information and complete feedrate planning before interpolation. In addition, the S-shaped jerk-limited acceleration method is adopted for smoother feedrate profiles. Two part shapes, which possess more than 1,000 short linear segments, are tested on our PC-based real-time control system. Both simulation and experimental results verify the feasibility and precision of the proposed interpolation algorithm.