Multi-axis / postprocessor planning

5-Axis Rotary Feed Conversion Calculator

Convert a known coordinated tool-center path length and block time into inverse-time or degrees-per-minute feed output.

01 / Engineering inputs

Live calculation

Coordinated tool-center path length

Use the CAM/postprocessor tool-tip path length, not raw XYZ distance during rotary motion.

Target tool-center feed

Desired feed along the coordinated tool-center path.

Total rotary-axis change

deg

Use the controller/postprocessor definition for the rotary move being evaluated.

Selected output mode

Confirm the supported mode and inverse-time units in the control manual.

Formula, scope & sources

How this calculator works

Inverse time

Block time = path length / feed; F(G93) = 1 / block time

For inverse minutes, F is the reciprocal of block time in minutes. In inverse seconds it is the reciprocal of seconds.

Degrees per minute

DPM = rotary angle / block time (minutes)

DPM preserves the calculated block time only when the controller and postprocessor use the same rotary-motion definition.

Production application disclaimerThis tool does not solve machine kinematics. The correct coordinated path length depends on table/head configuration, pivots, tool length, TCP, rotary wrapping, controller behavior, and postprocessor settings. Simulate and prove out the posted program at reduced feed before production.

Reference basis: Autodesk CAM Post Processor Training Guide · Autodesk postprocessor API reference

Implementation: Original MfgWorkbench calculation code, independently verified against cited formulas and worked examples. Last reviewed September 4, 2026.

One block, three ways to express its timing

Assume a CAM/postprocessor calculation has supplied a 30 mm coordinated tool-center path for one block. Enter a target tool-center feed of 600 mm/min and a rotary-axis change of 45°. Block time is 30/600 = 0.05 minutes, or 3 seconds.

Output convention	Arithmetic	Result
Inverse minutes	1 / 0.05 min	20 min⁻¹
Inverse seconds	1 / 3 s	0.333333 s⁻¹
Rotary rate	45° / 0.05 min	900°/min

For the inverse-minute convention documented by Haas for G93, 60/F recovers time in seconds: 60/20 = 3. The value 0.333333 belongs to a different convention and must not be substituted into a control expecting inverse minutes.

Where does the 30 mm path come from?

Use the coordinated tool-tip path and block definition provided by the configured CAM/postprocessor or its diagnostic output. Document the machine configuration, tool length, rotary pivots, TCP mode and post version. The straight-line distance between two XYZ coordinates is not a reliable substitute when rotary motion changes the tool-tip trajectory. This page does not calculate that trajectory.

Compare recovered block time with the post’s intended time in simulation; check rotary speed and acceleration separately. The same nominal time does not guarantee the machine can execute it. Review G93 and TCP as separate concepts. Source for the Haas convention: Haas G93 documentation.