Application of Custom Macro B high level CNC programming language in a five-axis milling machine for drilling holes distributed in axi-symmetric working planes

Abstract

This paper describes a specific application of the Custom Macro B high level language which is within the scope of CNC programming. This type of programming language allows working with parametric part programs, based on the group technology, through which it is possible to save programming time and costs, facilitates the setting works in the machines implying less CN files also of a smaller size of them into the memory used in the CNC equipment. Small spring bars are commonly used to assemble the belt in a watchcase and the necessary drilling operation on the part shows the particularity that it is impossible to make the holes in the direction perpendicular to the plane to be drilled. There are CAD-CAM solutions for this specific work allowing to program inclined drills for its implementation in 4-axis and 5-axis milling machines. The proposed solution is the best choice and the most flexible to this specific case and it has been developed, simulated and evaluated for different part designs, showing a remarkable improvement from the point of view of flexibility and programming time with respect to two different CAD-CAM software tools commonly used as solution to this 5 axes CNC programming feature.