Pre-Compensation for Continuous-Path Running Trajectory Error in High-Speed Machining of Parts with Varied Curvature Features

Parts with varied curvature features play increasingly critical roles in engineering, and are often machined under high-speed continuous-path running mode to ensure the machining efficiency. However, the continuous-path running trajectory error is significant during high-feed-speed machining, which seriously restricts the machining precision for such parts with varied curvature features. In order to reduce the continuous-path running trajectory error without sacrificing the machining efficiency, a pre-compensation method for the trajectory error is proposed. Based on the formation mechanism of the continuous-path running trajectory error analyzed, this error is estimated in advance by approximating the desired toolpath with spline curves. Then, an iterative error pre-compensation method is presented. By machining with the regenerated toolpath after pre-compensation instead of the uncompensated toolpath, the continuous-path running trajectory error can be effectively decreased without the reduction of the feed speed. To demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed pre-compensation method, a heart curve toolpath that possesses varied curvature features is employed. Experimental results indicate that compared with the uncompensated processing trajectory, the maximum and average machining errors for the pre-compensated processing trajectory are reduced by 67.19% and 82.30%, respectively. An easy to implement solution for high efficiency and high precision machining of the parts with varied curvature features is provided.