The 4 Aspects of 5 Axis CNC Machining
“CNC”known as Computer Numerical Control refers to the process of removing or cutting material with high-speed precision machines that make uses of a wide range of cutting tools. 5 Axis Machining is a mode of CNC machine tool, and it is a machined ability to move a tool or a block in five different axes simultaneously. The use of X, Y, Z, A, B, C in any of the five coordinates of linear interpolation movement.
Development of 5 Axis Machining Technology
For decades, it’s widely believed that 5 axis CNC machining technology is the only means of processing continuous, smooth, complex surfaces. Once people encountered unsolvable problems in designing and manufacturing complex surfaces, they would turn on 5 axis machining technology.
3+2 Axis Machining vs. 5 Axis Machining
Basic machining operates on three primary axes, X, Y and Z, but the 3+2 axis machining provides a 3 axis milling process, with two additional axes to rotate the hold tool in a fixed position as opposed to manipulating it repetitively during the machining process.
On a 5 axis machining center, the cutting tool moves across the X, Y and Z linear axes as well as rotates on the A and B axes to approach the workpiece from any direction. In other words, you can process five sides of a part in one single setup.
5 Axis CNC Machining Benefits
The cost-effective manufacturing of sophisticated design could be well done during 5 axis CNC machining process. The benefits of 5 axis machining include the following:
1.Single Setup & Automation
A 5 axis machine allows to work on every surface of the workpiece, apart from the clamping and the bottom area. When working on contoured parts or parts that require machining on several faces, several setups of the 3 axis machine are needed to achieve the complex geometry through manual rotating. As 5 axis technology, it just completes the job in a single setup, reducing the number of setups and saving time.
2.Less Processing Time
5 axis CNC machining techniques help to save a lot of time compared to 3 axis or 4 axis. Parts could be machined over five dimensions during CNC processing. Doing the processing work fast and effectively in production, also the minimized setup required, help to accelerate the end products to the market.
3.Complex Shapes
5 axis CNC machining makes it possible to cut intricate parts that would require casting or additional manufacturing steps with traditional machining methods. The additional movement available with 5 axis machining allows you to achieve complex shapes and designs. With the 5 axis machining center, you have access to machining angles and arcs that were previously achievable only through multiple setups and a myriad of special fixtures. Eventually, 5 axis machining eliminates the need to create complex fixtures as you can hold the part once and rotate in a single proces to achieve the desired geometry.
4.Rotational Accuracy
A 5 axis CNC machine provides much more precision and machining flexibility than a 3 axis or 3+2 axis machine. When it comes to machining complex parts with intricate details for the aerospace or medical industry, the overall performance and accuracy of a 5 axis CNC machine with a dedicated controller will ensure that your finished parts meet the quality, safety, and reliability specifications.
5.Better Surface Finishes
The 4th and 5th axes help you orient and boring the part closer to the cutting tool, allowing you to use a shorter cutting tool, which is less susceptible to vibration at extremely high cutting speeds, pointing to achieve a better surface finish.
Get the Most from Precision 5 Axis Machining
5-axis CNC machine tools have been almost exclusively used in the aerospace industry to meet very specific complexity and high-accuracy requirements. Nowadays, over 60% of all parts manufactured with machine tools require 5 axis CNC machining, making 5 axis machining centers more and more popular across all industries.
The most common applications in industries of 5 axis machines are as follows:
Automotive
The automotive industry demands on complex and precise required workpieces. With the simultaneous multi-axis manufacturing, complex geometries can be manufactured easily while ensuring that the CNC machine tool remains tangent to the part during rapid multi-dimension cutting steps. Many car parts like gearboxes, headlight, backlight components are machined with 5 axis CNC machining technology.
Aerospace
The manufacture of planes requires smooth shapes and contoured edges for a lot of different components. The precision and accuracy that a 5 axis CNC machine can achieve is immeasurably valuable for the aerospace industry as their parts are very complex, unique, and geometrically intricate requiring advanced cutting operations. The possibility of machining parts in one setup is of the utmost importance for aerospace parts to maintain the highest precision possible. This is exactly why aerospace markets rely on 5 axis CNC technology.
Medical
6-axis machining is also widely used in medical equipment manufacture. When it comes to medical parts, precision is key as rigorous healthcare standards have to be met. Cutting small and intricate parts requires the accuracy that only 5 axis machines can provide while keeping the time and money investment at a feasible level.
Military
Many military equipment components are also on the list of frequent applications for a 5 axis machine, such as submarine parts, turbine and compressor blades, high-performance engine and weapon parts, and so on.
For more detailed information on precision 5 axis CNC machining on meeting the needs of your machining workpieces, please contact us at info@sanworapid.com. You can visit us online at Sanworapid.com or reach us directly at +86 134 3092 6564.
