The Development of an APT Program Interpreter for 5-Axis Machining

Abstract

As there are various machine configuration and frequent changes of cutter orientation in 5-axis machining, the standard NC codes are not inter-exchangeable among machines. This phenomenon induces a lot of cutting difficulties and machining problems such as the inconvenient working process for operators and very low cutting efficiency. At present, some advanced machine controllers already can accept the APT code besides NC code to increase the cutting flexibility. They also offer some advanced machining functions such as tool center point control and spatial compensations of tool, etc. By way of APT interpreting, the common controller can also implement these advanced functions. Besides, CAD/CAM software also supports APT post-processor to generate NC code for different machine configurations. This means the application of ATP program has played an important role in five-axis machining. However, although CAD/CAM software supports the interpretation of APT program as a core key technology of five-axis machining, the manufacturers of controller with advanced functions are unwilling to open their system. Up to now, there has been few related research papers published on this topic. In this paper, we proposed an APT interpretation method for five-axis machining. This method includes seven functional modules and related implementing procedures. A case study has been adopted to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method. The research result could be adopted as a reference to develop the value-added technology in 5-axis machine tool application for academy and industry.