The feedrate scheduling of parametric interpolator with geometry, process and drive constraints for multi-axis CNC machine tools

Abstract

Parametric interpolator has been widely adopted in machining sculptured parts. Accordingly, the feedrate scheduling of parametric interpolator plays a role in CNC machine tools especially for multi-axis machines with linear and rotary axes, since a smooth movement is beneficial for achieving better surface geometry as well as shorter machining time. This paper presents a new feedrate scheduling method for the five-axis machining of geometrically complex part with geometry, process and drive constraints. The satisfaction conditions of constraints are first built and the proportional adjustment of feedrate sensitive regions is proved to be suitable for simultaneously reducing the magnitudes of constraints such as angular acceleration, linear acceleration, axis accelerations and jerks. The initial feedrate profile is first constructed with confined chord error, angular velocity and axis velocities owing to the independence of these constraints. Then, for each iterative adjustment a curve evolution strategy is used to deform the target feedrate profile to the adjusted positions instead of the re-interpolation of feedrate profile, until the final desired feedrate profile is achieved without violated constraints. Simulations and experiments are conducted and the results validate the performances of the proposed method.