CNC, as we know it today, is the most advanced production method at a massive scale. As the industry has been greatly adapting to it, it has advanced rapidly over the years. With its wide range of uses, CNC comes in many types. We are talking about CNC milling, CNC turning, CNC routers, and many more.
As the technology evolved, we now have leverage to use 5-axis CNC machining. It allows highly complex features to be machined. An angle that a 3-axis machine cannot cut, for instance, can be cut by a 5-axis machine. In this article, we will discuss the endless possibilities you can get with the 5-axis rotation of CNC machines.
What Is 5 Axis Machining?
In this type of machining, the tool rotates around five different axes. Machines in this multi-axis subtractive manufacturing process shape materials and move in five directions or vertically.
Movements can be in X, Y, and Z or A and B directions. Operators can machine parts from any direction and axis using 5-axis machining. This eliminates the need to reposition the workpiece between operations manually. This method saves time and is an excellent tool for constructing highly complex and precise parts.
Why Do You Need CNC Machines For 5-Axis Machining?
To produce high-complexity parts, a 5-axis CNC machine offers three linear axes and two rotational axes. An additional axis on this machine allows engineers and machinists to work on up to five faces of a workpiece at once.
Using 5-axis CNC machining benefits manufacturers because it reduces manufacturing time and costs while ensuring products are delivered to the market more quickly. Moreover, the speed and direction of a CNC machine are determined by its type and configuration.
5-axis CNC machines: types and uses
A 5-axis CNC Machining can enhance your current procedure and save you much time in a few operations. To meet the needs of the ever-growing manufacturing industry, these machines come in several types. The arrangement of the rotary axes is unique to 5-axis CNC machines.
Head/Head
These CNC machines have rotary axes housed in their heads. Due to the 5-axis apex being on a specific platform, you do not have to worry about tool interference with the spindle head. The workpiece remains on this fixed table because the 5-axis apex moves through it.
It is possible to move the apex around the piece when machining with a 5-axis machine. Consequently, Head/Head CNC machines are ideal for producing large parts. Despite this, this design can only move along certain rotary axes.
Table/Table
There are two rotary axes on the table in this setup. The revolving axis is limited in scope, but the rotary axis is unrestricted. Undercuts are ideal for this type of machine. A Table/Table arrangement has a small work envelope compared to other machine arrangements.
Since it lacks definite motors like the other machines, it works slower than the other machines. Large or heavy components cannot be machined with this technique due to its incapacity to carry much weight.
CNC 5-axis Machining's Benefits
Many industries benefit from the ability of this type of machining to work on five different faces of a workpiece simultaneously. A wide range of benefits are available, including cost efficiency and effective machining. Listed below are some of the major advantages of 5-axis CNC Machining.
- Create complex shapes with machines.
In this machine, the additional axis makes it easy to machine designs and geometries with high complexity. With 5-axis CNC machines, it is now possible to machine difficult angles and arcs, which was previously impossible with multiple special fixtures.
Moreover, since this machine can rotate parts during a single operation, it can achieve desired geometries without requiring complex fixtures or machines.
- A high degree of precision and repeatability
The 5-axis CNC milling process involves fewer setups, reducing the likelihood of errors and enhancing accuracy.
With most modern 5-axis CNC machines, machining the workpiece does not require manual repositioning. In this way, improved tolerances are guaranteed as a bonus of using shorter cutting tools in some configurations of machines, resulting in a longer tool lifetime while also ensuring a higher level of repeatability.
- Efficacious production
With the 5-axis machining, parts can be machined more quickly and with fewer auxiliary steps. With its wide range of spindle speeds and feeds, the machine can perform a powerful large cutting capacity.
To reduce the turnaround time for semi-finished products, 5-axis machining, and high-speed cutting processes are combined to enable rapid movement and positioning.
The 5-axis machining center can machine a variety of parts
There are a wide variety of parts that can be made with CNC machining on five axes. Intricate shapes and complex geometries are common in these parts. You can machine the following parts using 5-axis machining.
Box Type Parts
It is relatively difficult to use standard machining tools for box-shaped parts because multiple clamps and alignments must be performed.
Using a 5-axis machine allows you to work on several surfaces simultaneously, which makes it easier to produce parts with higher precision.
Complicated Surface Parts
A difficult-to-reach surface parts are often found in different fields, such as aviation, aerospace, and electronics. A complex surface like this cannot be achieved using ordinary CNC machines.
A few common complex surfaces that 5-axis machining produces are spherical turbine blades, marine propellers, and impellers.
Deciding on getting 5-Axis CNC Machining?
Now, you have all the valuable insights of the 5-axis machinery. But you’re a little unsure of where to get started from, right? It’s not an issue. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve recently heard about CNC and are excited to get online CNC services or you’re interested in getting cutting-edge 5-axis CNC rotatory machinery.
We’ve got you covered. To get started, look for a reputable CNC machining services provider. The next part is negotiation. Communicate your needs to them. They will either come up with the prototype or demonstrate to you what they’re going to deliver you.
And that’s it! You should expect your order to be delivered faster (three to five days) as you close deals with reputable CNC providers.
