NCnetic includes all the essential tools to easily set up and simulate 5-axis NC files. This page covers the basic settings required to configure NCnetic for accurate simulations.
By convention, the addresses in the NC file are as follows:
- A: rotation around the X-axis
- B: rotation around the Y-axis
- C: rotation around the Z-axis
You can customize these by remapping the addresses in the options.
5-axis CNC machines are designed so that, in addition to the three translational movements, two rotational movements allow the tool to be oriented in any direction. These rotations may affect either the part being machined, as in the table-table configuration; the tool, as in the head-head configuration; or one on each, as in the table-head configuration.
For a quick setup, set the ‘Machine Type’ option in the options to match your configuration. Use the ‘Include Sample’ flag to add a simplified 3D model of the kinematic chain for the current machine type. The ‘Inverted Rot’ option allows you to reverse the direction of a rotation axis, so that a positive angle results in a counterclockwise movement, or vice versa.
TCP mode
TCP mode is a special representation of tool orientation that can be activated with the ‘File Type’ option. In this mode, the content of the NC file is interpreted as though the machine operates in a head-head AC configuration, using azimuth and inclination angles, regardless of the machine’s actual kinematic chain. The advantage of this notation is that the XYZ values for tool position remain unaffected by the rotations.