Fast Evaluation Method of Tool Posture for 5-Axis Control Machining Using New Functions of Graphics Hardware(Multi-axis control machining and measurement)

Abstract

This paper deals with a new evaluation method of tool posture for 5-axis control machining. The 5-axis control machining realizes high productivity, because it can fabricate workpiece surface with an arbitrary posture of cutting tools. However, it is known that generation of the NC Program for continuous 5-axis control machining without collisions is quite difficult problem. So, the efficient evaluation method is strongly required. In this paper, we propose a new evaluation method which introduces graphic hardware as fast geometric calculator. We develop a prototype system and confirm that the proposed method can attain extraordinary improvement in the evaluation time.