New algorithm to minimise kinematic tool path errors around 5-axis machining singular points

The singular points of a given 5-axis CNC machine could be found in the domain of the joint variables of the machine. In the neighbourhood of a singular point, even for a small change of the tooltip position, an enormous change of axis displacements of the machine is often required. This causes a large deviation between the real cutting path and the desired tool path, and the machining surface could be destroyed. This paper provides with an analytical scheme for identifying singular configuration of 5-axis CNC machines. In particular, an efficient and robust algorithm is proposed to compute the cutter path across the neighbourhood of the singular points identified such that the computed cutter path tracks the desired tool path within a controllable error. Numerical examples and real cutting parts are carried out and discussed to show the effectiveness and the efficiency of the presented method. © 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.