• Journal of the Korean Society of Manufacturing Process Engineers
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.9-15
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• 2011

In order to develop a practical postprocessor for 5-axis machining, the general equations of numerically controlled (NC) data for 5-axis configurations with not only non-orthogonal rotary axes but also orthogonal rotary axes were exactly expressed by the inverse kinematics, and a Windows-based postprocessor written in Visual Basic was developed according to the proposed algorithm. The developed postprocessor is a general system that suitable for all kinds of 5-axis machine tool with orthogonal and non-orthogonal rotary axes. Through implementation of the developed postprocessor and verification by a cutting simulation and machining experiment, the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is confirmed. Compatibility is improved by allowing exchange of data formats such as rotational tool center position (RTCP) controlled NC data, vector post NC data, and program object file (POF) cutter location (CL)data, and convenience is increased by adding the function of work-piece origin offset. Consequently, the technology of practical post-processor for 5-axis machining is developed.