Improving the Dynamic Performance of Five-Axis CNC Machine Tool by using the Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) Platform

The paper presents the development and implementation of a Software-in-the-loop (SIL) platform allowing the real-time simulation of the hybrid model of five-axis CNC machine tool which is implemented in SIMULINK. The interfacing between dSPACE software and the feed drives models in SIMULINK is explined. The values for the simulated positioning errors between the position demand and simulated position of orthogonal trimming head for the gantry axis are in the order of microns so proposed SIL model is validated. The accurate SIL platform could be used to build and optimise the machining process models including CNC machine tools under cutting conditions and improve machines’ dynamic performance.