A heuristic feedrate optimization strategy for NURBS toolpaths

This paper presents a new and computationally efficient feedrate optimization strategy for spline toolpaths. The technique combines analytically derived compatibility equations with a heuristic search method, which helps generate feed profiles with reduced cycle time while adhering to axis velocity, acceleration, torque, and jerk constraints. Feed modulation is realized using the S-curve function, which allows optimized feed profiles to be implemented on existing CNC's. The proposed strategy yields shorter cycle time compared to the frequently used worst-case curvature approach, and converges faster than more elaborate gradient-based optimization techniques. The effectiveness of the new strategy is demonstrated in contour machining experiments.