Optimization of Computer Numerical Control Interpolation Parameters Using a Backpropagation Neural Network and Genetic Algorithm with Consideration of Corner Vibrations

Abstract

This paper presents an optimization algorithm for tuning the interpolation parameters of computer numerical control (CNC) controllers; it operates by considering multiple objective functions, namely, contour errors, the machining time (MT), and vibrations. The position commands, position errors, and vibration signals from 1024 experiments were considered in the designed trajectory. The experimental data—the maximum contour error (MCoE), MT, and corner vibration (CVib)—were analyzed to compute the performance index. A backpropagation neural network (BPNN) with 20 hidden layers was applied to predict the performance index. The correlation coefficients for the predicted values and experimental results for the MCoE, MT, and CVib based on the validation data were 0.9984, 0.9998, and 0.9354, respectively. The high correlation coefficients highlight the accuracy of the model for designing the interpolation parameter. After the BPNN model was developed, a genetic algorithm (GA) was adopted to determine the optimized parameters of the interpolation under different weighting of the performance index. A weighted sum approach involving the objective function was employed to determine the optimized interpolation parameters in the GA. Thus, operators can judge the feasibility of the interpolation parameter for various weighting settings. Finally, a mixed path was selected to verify the proposed algorithm.