Explicit Free-form Curve Interpolation and Error Analysis for NC Machining of Complex Surface Models

Abstract

This This paper presents an explicit solution approach to calculate the exact maximal interpolation errors for cubic free-form curves and the offset curves. To solve the maximal interpolation errors, the exact locations of the maximal error points are found by solving polynomial functions explicitly. Compared with conventional approaches, the proposed interpolation method ensures interpolation accuracy and generates fewer interpolation points for free-form curves and their offset curves. The proposed method can be used for high-accuracy curve interpolation and NC tool-path generation in CAD/CAM systems. Computer implementation and practical examples are also presented in this paper.

Keywords:

• CAD/CAM
• Curve interpolation
• NC machining
• Sculptured surface machining
• Offset curves