Which term describes moving two or more axes in a coordinated fashion to produce a continuous path?

Which term describes moving two or more axes in a coordinated fashion to produce a continuous path?

• A. Interpolation
• B. Contouring
• C. Profiling
• D. Milling

Answer: (B)

Interpolation describes moving two or more axes in a coordinated fashion to produce a continuous path. It calculates intermediate positions so the tool smoothly follows from one programmed point to another, whether along straight lines, arcs, or more complex curves. This coordinated motion is what enables multi-axis machines to carve complex shapes without stopping at each point. Contouring is a specific use of interpolation where the path follows a defined contour on the workpiece; profiling follows a defined profile boundary; milling is the broader material-removal process. So the general term for coordinated multi-axis motion producing a continuous path is interpolation.

Interpolation describes moving two or more axes in a coordinated fashion to produce a continuous path. It calculates intermediate positions so the tool smoothly follows from one programmed point to another, whether along straight lines, arcs, or more complex curves. This coordinated motion is what enables multi-axis machines to carve complex shapes without stopping at each point. Contouring is a specific use of interpolation where the path follows a defined contour on the workpiece; profiling follows a defined profile boundary; milling is the broader material-removal process. So the general term for coordinated multi-axis motion producing a continuous path is interpolation.