SACETraj: An AutoCAD Catmull-Rom Spline Trajectory Interpolator

Abstract

The presented software, programmed in C#, is a plugin for the AutoCAD computer-assisted design program that adds functionality to output toolpaths in the form of spline control points. Motion controllers are often used in laboratory settings to drive the motion of a research tool in three-dimensional space. The trajectory files accepted by these controllers are often not used in industry, for example spline interpolation, hence the tools needed to generate such files for toolpath motion are not readily available. The developed AutoCAD Catmull-Rom Spline Trajectory Generator aims to address this limitation and will contribute to foster intelligent manufacturing strategies at research laboratories. The generated toolpaths can either be a direct spline interpolation of drawing geometries or a derivation from it. Point density is dynamically calculated along a given path depending on user-specified tolerance. This software, adaptable to other CAD design tools, will facilitate workflow in research equipment requiring spline input of toolpaths and increase versatility of lab tools.

Keywords

• Toolpaths
• Spline interpolation
• Machining
• AutoCAD
• Advanced manufacturing
• Motion controllers