Abstract In this paper, Pythagorean hodograph (P-H) curve theory is used for high-speed contouring applications. There are large contouring errors around sharp corners when low-bandwidth servo controllers (such as P-PI control) are used. It is possible to construct a P-H curve in the region of sharp corners in order to decrease the amount of cornering error. The developed algorithm is implemented for various corners with different angles. With respect to sharp tool paths, the total machining time is increased by a small amount, but the cornering error is reduced to the allowable tolerance limit. The results of simulation, such as the total cornering time and the cornering error, are compared with previously published methods. It has been shown that the over-corner P-H approach will substantially decrease the amount of cornering error.

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