Glossary · CNC and machine tools
Tool center point (TCP)
Also known as: TCP, Tool centre point
German: Werkzeugmittelpunkt (TCP)
In robotics and multi-axis machining, the tool center point (TCP) is the reference point defined on the tool, such as the tip of a welding torch or the center of a cutter, whose position and orientation the control programs and monitors.
- CNC
- Standards
In one sentence
The tool center point (TCP) is the reference point on a tool, such as a torch tip or cutter center, that robot and CNC programs position.
Example
After a gripper change, the robot's TCP is recalibrated so the gripper fingers reach the pick position within tolerance.
How it applies
- Engineering: Robot and CNC paths are programmed for the TCP, not for the flange or spindle nose. The control calculates the joint or axis positions from the TCP definition. Five-axis CNC functions such as TCPM keep the TCP on the path while the tool orientation changes.
- Commissioning and maintenance: The TCP must be measured or taught after a tool change, a collision or a mechanical repair. A wrong TCP moves the real tool away from the programmed path.
- Safety: Speed limits for collaborative operation or reduced speed are often monitored at the TCP. Speed monitoring depends on a correct tool definition, so changing tools can change the safety configuration.
- Documentation: Describe how to define and check the TCP as a task with acceptance criteria, and record TCP data after changes in the maintenance log.