RTCP is a term that is often mentioned in 5 axis cnc milling machine, its called Rotated Tool Center Point，this is what we often call the tool tip following function.

In five-axis cnc router machine, when pursuing the tool tip trajectory and the posture between the tool and the workpiece, additional movement of the tool tip is generated due to the rotational motion. The control point of the CNC system often does not coincide with the tool tip point, so the CNC system must automatically correct the control point to ensure that the tool tip point moves along the specified trajectory.

The 5 Axis cnc milling industry also calls this technology TCPM, TCPC or RPCP. In fact, the functional definitions of these names are similar to RTCP. Strictly speaking, the RTCP function is used on the double swing head structure 5 axis cnc router, and the compensation is performed by using the swing head rotation center point. 

The RPCP function is mainly used on machine tools with double turntables, and the compensation is the change in the linear axis coordinates caused by the rotation of the workpiece. In fact, these functions have the same purpose, which is to keep the tool center point and the actual contact point between the tool and the workpiece surface unchanged. 

Therefore, for the convenience of expression, it is generally referred to as RTCP technology.

So how does the RTCP function come about?

Many years ago, when 5 axis cnc carving machine were just becoming popular in the market, the RTCP concept was widely promoted by cnc router manufacturers. At that time, the RTCP function was more like a gimmick for technology's sake, and more people were enthusiastic about and hyped the technology itself. In fact, the RTCP function is just the opposite. It is not only a good technology, but also a good technology that can bring benefits and create value to customers. 

For 5 axis cnc engraving machine with RTCP technology (also known as true five-axis linkage 5 axis cnc milling center in China), operators do not have to align the workpiece precisely with the axis centerline of the turntable. They can clamp it casually, and the machine tool automatically compensates for the offset, greatly reducing the auxiliary time and improving the processing accuracy. At the same time, the post-processing is simple, as long as the tool tip coordinates and vectors are output.

As we said before, in terms of mechanical structure, five-axis CNC milling machine tools mainly have double swing heads, double turntables, one swing and one turn structures, etc.