Abstract: With regard to the program translating problem brought by the change of 5-axis equipment in machining complex structural components, an inter-translation algorithm of numerical control (NC) program between perpendicular and tilted head 5-axis machines is presented. First, based on different structures of two 5-axis machines, the relationship between coordinates is established. Second, according to the post-processor and the inverse post-processor methods of NC program with automatic tracking, an inter-translation algorithm for 5-axis machine is proposed. Finally, with the control method of constant cutting time in a single step, an inter-translation algorithm of machining feedrate is given, which realizes the inheritance of program translation to cutting parameters. Experimental results indicate that the algorithm can effectively solve the inter-translation problem of NC program between the perpendicular and the tilted head 5-axis machines.

Key words: 5-axis machine, inter-translation algorithm, program translation, post-processor, inverse post-processor