Development of a postprocessor for head tilting-head rotation type five-axis machine tool with double limit rotation axis

Abstract

The five-axis machine tool with special structure requires the professional postprocessor in order to exploit the capabilities of the machine tools. Compared with the standard five-axis machine, the five-axis machine tools with special structure such as double limit rotation axis (DLRA) requires the implementation of the angle optimization to achieve the process requirements of complex parts. In this paper, a rotation angle optimization algorithm for the DLRA of the head tilting-head rotation (HT-HR)-type five-axis machine tool is proposed to overcome the problem that rotation angle is limited in machining complex parts. First, the initial correction condition is determined based on the rotation range of the rotation axes, in the case that the tool contact point is fixed; the rotation angles of the correction area are optimized. Then, a post processor for HT-HR five-axis machine tool with angle optimization function is developed based on the kinematic model. Furthermore, the proposed approach is validated for simulation and practical experimental with an impeller specimen. Results of the verification tests show that the presented angle optimization algorithm can accurately revise the rotation angle in the processing so as to improve the machining scope of machine tools. This method also provides a certain reference to solve the problem of limited rotation angle for other similar machine.