NURBS curve separation algorithm for CNC machining

A new method is proposed to solve the problem of NURBS curve separation. Firstly, both of the equal chord length and the equal error separation algorithms are simulated to verify the advantages and disadvantages. Given the relationships among chord length, error and deflection angle, the separation of the NURBS curve is proposed. The algorithm guarantees the chord length and error remaining unchanged, and the deflection angle stays in a feasible range. Then some simulations are carried out to test the correctness of the algorithm. At last, the plane grating is used to make an experience to verify the algorithm. Experimental results indicate that the continuous line segments can approach the NURBS curve with the proposed algorithm accurately and the fitting location is smooth. The proposed approach can discrete the NURBS curve into the continuous line segments effectively.