Nowadays, the technical performance of the 5-axis machining center has reached an advanced level, and it is widely used in medical devices, new energy vehicles, semiconductors, precision molds, aerospace and other fields. Moreover, the five-axis machining industry continues to grow year after year, which causes more and more people to ask the question: “What is 5-axis CNC machining?”
Definition of 5-axis CNC Machining
CNC machining is a procedure used in most manufacturing operations and is widely used in most industries. CNC stands for computer digital control and deals with the use of one or more computers to manage the operation of different machine tools such as lathes, routers, and milling machines.
5-axis CNC machining is an absolutely excellent CNC machining that can be used to produce parts and end products from a variety of materials such as plastics and metals.
When using a 3-axis machine, the tool can be moved along the X and Y axes while moving up and down using the Z axis. With 5-axis machining, we can obtain two additional axes of rotation defined by the letters ABC, where A rotates around the X-axis, B rotates around the Y-axis, and C rotates around the z-axis.
In addition, in the vertical machining center, the X and Y axes are located in the horizontal plane, and the Z axis is located in the vertical plane. In a horizontal machining center, the Z and Y axes are opposite.
Types of 5-axis CNC Machine Tools
There are several operations that allow a 5-axis CNC machine to save a lot of time and enhance your current program. These machines come in a variety of types to meet the requirements of the growing manufacturing industry. The unique difference between 5-axis CNC machines is the arrangement of the rotating axes. They are divided into three different types, including head/head, table/table, and table/head.
Head/Head
The rotation axis of this type of CNC machine is located at the head. They are made of 5-axis vertices located on a specific platform and moved through a fixed workbench, keeping the workpiece in place. So you don’t have to worry about tool interference with the spindle head of the machine tool. This gives the vertices a chance to move around specific parts, making 5-axis CNC machines the best choice for producing large parts. Because of their design, they usually have limited movement in the axis of rotation and tilt.
Table/Head
In this type of machine setup, one rotating shaft is located in the turntable and the other is located in the head. The rotation axis is located in the head and has a limited range, while the rotation axis is located in the table and has an unrestricted range. Since the parts are placed on a rotating axis, this arrangement is limited by the number of items it can produce. One way in which this type of setup is slightly advantageous compared to the head/head type is its ability to consistently rotate parts without having to worry about reaching specific limits.
Table/Table
Here, all the rotation axes of the machine are located in the workbench, and the range of the rotation axis is also limited. The range of its axis of rotation is not limited. This type of machine arrangement has the smallest working range compared to other types. Others are equipped with definite motors that make them work quickly.
Adventages of 5-axis CNC Machining
In addition to saving time, obtaining precise cutting angles, and extending tool life, five-axis machining has other significant advantages.
Better Workpiece Surface Finish
The 5-axis function on profile geometry improves the surface finish of the workpiece. Longer lead times are required when machining with 3-axis machines because they require very small cuts to produce the same surface finish that can be provided on 5-axis machines. 5-axis machining brings the part closer to the cutting tool. As a result, less vibration is generated and the surface finish of the workpiece is improved.
Improve Accuracy and Tool Life
Five-axis machining improves accuracy by reducing Settings. More Settings mean more potential room for error. Some work can even be done in a single setting, greatly reducing the risk of errors. At the same time, the use of shorter tools can extend the tool life. The five-axis cnc machine brings the head closer to the surface of the cutter. This allows higher cutting speeds to be used, extending tool life as vibration decreases.
Save Money
Five-axis machining once clamping, can save the user’s time, so the five-axis machine can also directly save money. Improving tool life means fewer tools are needed, and improving accuracy means reducing the risk of costly errors. There are many other ways that five-axis machines can save you money, including reducing footprint, improving flexibility and spindle utilization, reducing the need for expensive fixtures, and lowering inventory investment.
Embracing the Future of Manufacturing & 5-AX
Seizing Opportunities with 5-Axis CNC Machining
In conclusion, 5-axis CNC machining represents the pinnacle of precision and efficiency in modern manufacturing. By embracing this cutting-edge technology, you can unlock new possibilities, streamline your workflow, and stay ahead of the competition. So why settle for anything less? Embrace the future of manufacturing with 5-axis CNC machining today and unleash the full potential of your projects.
Elevating Your Precision and Efficiency
Whether you’re a seasoned industry veteran or a newcomer to the world of manufacturing, the benefits of 5-axis CNC machining are undeniable. From unparalleled precision and efficiency to design innovation and cost savings, this revolutionary technology has the power to transform your business and elevate your capabilities to new heights. So don’t wait – explore the world of 5-axis CNC machining and discover what it can do for you.