CNC Machine Types

5-Axis CNC Post Processor Development

5-axis machines are major investments. The post processor determines whether that investment produces complex parts safely, or sits idle waiting for someone brave enough to run it.

May 19, 20267 min readENGIMANDI CNC Team

5-axis machine types

TypeRotary axesStrengths
Table-table (trunnion)Both in the table (A/C, B/C)Compact, great for small to medium parts
Head-tableOne in the head, one in the tableLarger parts, good accessibility
Head-headBoth in the headVery large and heavy parts; table stays still

Data we need

  • Kinematic type, axis names and positive directions.
  • Rotary limits and whether C is continuous.
  • Pivot distances / rotary centre data.
  • Controller options: TCP, tilted plane, high-speed modes.
  • Machine model (CAD) for simulation, or dimensions to build one.

Key post decisions

  • Use controller TCP or post-calculated positions?
  • Use controller tilted plane functions for 3+2, or rotated coordinates?
  • Preferred rotary solution and limit strategy.
  • Feed mode for simultaneous moves (inverse time or TCP feed).
  • Safe retract strategy before large rotary moves.

Project steps

1. Machine data + sample programs
2. Kinematics configured in CAM and post
3. 3+2 output developed and simulated
4. Simultaneous output developed and simulated
5. Limit, retract and rewind logic tested
6. Machine commissioning: TCP check, tilted plane check, test part
7. Release and documentation
A 5-axis post is part software, part machine knowledge. Both must be right.

5-axis post development

See our CNC post processor development service, simultaneous 5-axis posts and indexed 3+2 posts.

EM
ENGIMANDI CNC Team

We develop, customise and commission CNC post processors for Fusion, NX CAM, Mastercam, SolidCAM and other CAM systems.