W5: 3D Tool Radius Compensation; Function; Introduction - Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl Function Manual

W5: 3D tool radius compensation

3.1

Function

3.1.1

Introduction

3D circumferential milling and 3D face milling
3D tool radius compensation (3D-TRC) is used to process contours with tools that can be
controlled in their orientation independently of the tool path and shape.
SINUMERIK provides the 3D-TRC in different variants, which are used in combination with the
following manufacturing processes:
● Circumferential milling (Page 238) for structural components
● Face milling (Page 244) for free-form surfaces
Tool orientation
For the 3D-TRC, a distinction must be made between the two scenarios of a tool with a fixed
orientation and a tool with a changeable orientation.
The tool radius compensation with a fixed tool for circumferential milling is designated as a
2½D-TRC. This is the conventional tool radius compensation. Circumferential milling with a
functionality that goes beyond this scope of performance is not possible for the compensation
with a fixed tool. For circumferential milling, there is only a 3D-TRC if the tool orientation is
changeable. This means, in addition to the 3 degrees of freedom for positioning the tool
(generally 3 linear axes), two additional degrees of freedom (2 rotary axes) are also needed for
setting the tool orientation (5-axis machining).
During face milling, the tool orientation can remain constant or be variable. The advantages of
variable orientation are:
● better approximation of the end contour
● increased chip performance
● more freedom in selecting the shape of the tool
● a wider range of surfaces that can be processed (undercuts)
Note
5D-WRK
The 3D-TRC is also called 5D-TRC below, because 5 degrees of freedom are available in this
case for defining the position of the tool in space relative to the workpiece.
Tools
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