
B-63783EN-1/01 10.TOOL FUNCTION
- 1111 -
10.4.14 Tool Center Point Control for 5-axis Machining
Overview
There are three different types of five-axis machines. They are <1> a
tool rotation type, <2> a table rotation type, and <3> a tool and table
rotation type. (See Fig.10.4.14 (d).)
The conventional tool center point control method can be applied only
to <1> tool rotation type machines.
(See Fig.10.4.14 (a).)
This function is intended to make tool center point control applicable to
<2> table rotation type and <3> mixed-type machines.
To put another way, tool center point control for 5-axis machining
(called tool center point control later) is intended to perform machining
on a five-axis machine having table rotary axes as well as three
orthogonal axes (X-, Y-, and Z-axes) while changing the attitude of the
tool. With this function, the tool center point can move along the
specified path even if the tool is tilted with respect to the workpiece.
(See Fig.10.4.14 (b).)
Programming is possible in a coordinate system (programming
coordinate system) fixed to the table, making CAM-based
programming easy. Also, the cutting speed becomes easy to control,
because the tool center point moves at a specified speed.
Programmed path
Controlled
point
Tool center point path
Tool length
vector
Tool center point
Fig.10.4.14 (a)