Abstract
NC machining of mechanical parts having free-form curve shapes such as cam's profile curves is usually done by using linear and circular interpolation. The problem with this approach, however, is that a large number of machining data is needed. Moreover, the tangent and curvature at the interpolated points are not continuous. In this report a practical method for clothoidal interpolation is discussed. Linear and clothoidal interpolation are compared each other in three methods. The first method divides the parameter angle equally with maximum allowable error. The second method divides the length of the curve equally with maximum allowable error. The last method selects every angle or length with equal allowable error. The results show that clothoidal interpolation requires less data than linear and circular interpolation to satisfy given tolerance between interpolation points.
