CNC machining is a program used in most manufacturing operations and is widely used in most industries. CNC stands for computer numerical control, which handles 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 outstanding CNC machining that can be used to produce parts and final products from a variety of materials such as plastics and metals.
However, sometimes when it comes to specific 5-axis CNC machining, most people’s first impression is: high technology, expensive, and difficult to operate, but is 5-axis machining really like this? The following paragraphs will introduce you to 5-axis CNC machining from three important aspects.
1. What is five-axis machining
This is a procedure that involves using CNC to move cutting equipment or different parts on five different axes at the same time. This provides space for the production of very complex parts, which is why 5-axis CNC milling is very common in aerospace operations. One factor that contributes the most to the use of 5-axis CNC machine tools is the need to improve proficiency and reduce the production time required from the beginning to the completion of the actual process.
The ability to avoid collisions with fixed equipment parts by rotating the table or cutting tools provides room for quick access to the part geometry is another influencing factor. Finally, by rotating the table or cutting equipment to maintain the best cutting position and consistent chip load, thereby increasing the life or life of the equipment.
1.1 "5" of 5-axis machining
Five-axis machining is a way of CNC machining. The machining center we usually use is a three-axis machining center. The 3-axis refers to the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis of the machining center. The five-axis machining center adds two rotation axes to the three common linear axes X, Y, and Z. These two axes are also called the fourth axis and the fifth axis. Two of the three axes A, B and C have different motion modes in the vertical machine to meet the technical requirements of various products.
1.2 Five main forms of five-axis machines
There are various types of five-axis machine tools for horizontal machining centers, mainly in the following five forms: One is the form of a double revolving head, two rotating coordinates directly control the direction of the tool axis; 2. The form of a pendent rotating head, two coordinate axes are on the top of the tool , But the rotating axis is not perpendicular to the linear axis; the third is a double turntable form, two rotating coordinates directly control the space rotation; 4. a drooping worktable, two axes are on the worktable, but the rotating axis is not perpendicular to the axis; the fifth is One pendulum and one revolution, two rotating coordinates, one on the tool and one on the workpiece.
Five-axis machining
1.3 Types of five-axis CNC machine tools
There are several operations that allow 5-axis CNC machines to save you a lot of time and enhance your current programs. These machines come in many types to meet the requirements of the ever-increasing manufacturing industry. The unique difference of 5-axis CNC machine tools lies in the arrangement of the rotation axis. They are divided into three different types, including head/head, table/table and table/head.
a. head/head
The rotation axis of this type of CNC machine tool is located at the head. They are made of 5-axis vertices located on a specific platform and moved by a fixed table to keep the workpiece in place. So you don't need to worry about tool interference in the spindle head of the machine tool. This gives the vertices the opportunity to move around specific parts, making 5-axis CNC machines the best choice for producing large parts. Due to their design, they usually have limited movement in the axis of rotation and tilt.
b. table/head
In this type of machine setup, one axis of rotation is located in the turntable and the other is located in the head. The rotation axis is located at the head and the range is limited, while the rotation axis is located in the table and the range is not limited. Since the parts are placed on the rotating shaft, this arrangement is limited by the number of items it can produce. Compared to the head/head type, one way that this type of setup is slightly advantageous is that it can rotate the part consistently without worrying about reaching a specific limit.
c. table/table
Here, all the rotating shafts of the machine are located in the worktable, and the range of the rotating shafts is also limited. The range of its rotation axis is not limited. Compared with other types, this type of machine layout has the smallest working range. Others are equipped with clear motors to make them work very fast.
1.4 Five-axis machining ≠ five-sided machining
5-axis machining is very different from 5-sided machining. Many people don't know this, and mistake 5-sided machining for 5-axis machining. There are 5 axes for 5-axis machining: x, y, z, a and b axis (or c). The x, y, z and a, b axis (or c) form a 5-axis simultaneous machining. It is suitable for hook surface processing, special-shaped processing, hollow processing, punching, oblique hole, and oblique cutting. 5-sided machining is similar to 3-axis machining. Only five faces can be processed, special processing, beveled hole, bevel cut, etc. are not allowed.