Transformation of Three-Axis Tool Path to Inclined Plane for Five-Axis Machining

Abstract

Manufacturing industries such as the aerospace industry and the molding industry need to process products of complex and high-precision curved surface. Multi-axis machine tool with two rotational axes plays an indispensable role in processing such products. However, in a fiercely competitive market, each manufacturer is devoted to reduce processing time and costs. Therefore, how to efficiently create multi-axis numerical control program has become an important issue. Typical multi-axis machining parts often have specific machining features such as hole, groove or even engraved text on the inclined plane. Although the tool path can be generated by the advanced multi-axis CAD/CAM system, the prices of such systems are very high. This study proposed a methodology for defining the inclined working plane of the multi-axis machining tool. According to the defined working coordinate system proposed in this study, the tool path files of the traditional three-axis machine tool can be transformed to the five-axis NC program through post-processing calculation. As a result, the required NC program can be obtained for the same machining feature on any inclined plane in shorter time. Finally, this study tested and confirmed the accuracy of the numerical control program by solid cutting simulation software.