OVERVIEW

Linear interpolation is closely related to the rapid positioning motion. While the rapid tool motion is meant to be used from one position of the work area to another position without cutting, the linear interpolation mode is designed for actual material removal, such as contouring, pocketing, face milling and many other cutting motions.

Linear interpolation is used in part programming to make a straight cutting motion from the start position of the cut to its end position. It always uses the shortest distance the cutting tool path can take. The motion programmed in linear interpolation mode is always a straight line, connecting the contour start and end points. In this mode, the cutter moves from one position to another by the shortest distance between the end points. This is a very important programming feature, used mainly in contouring and profiling. Any angular motion (such as chamfers, bevels, angles, tapers, etc.) must be programmed in this mode to be accurate. Three types of motion can be generated in the linear interpolation mode:

The term linear interpolation means that the control system is capable to calculate thousands of intermediate coordinate points between the start point and end point of the cut. The result of this calculation is the shortest path between the two points. All calculations are automatic - the control system constantly coordinates and adjusts the...