Answer :

Solution :

In contouring systems:

The machining path is usually constructed from a combination of linear and circular segments. It is only necessary to specify the coordinates of the initial & final points of each segment and the feed rate. The operation of producing the required shape based on this information is termed interpolation & the corresponding unit is the “Interpolator”.

- So, in CNC machine tool, the function of an interpolator is to generate a reference signal prescribing the shape of the part to be machined. The interpolator coordinates the motion along the machine axes, which are separately driven, to generate the required machining path.

- An interpolator coordinates these axis motions in such a way that the programmed path is constantly maintained from the beginning to the end of the movement.

- The two most common types of interpolators are linear and circular.