A 4 axis CNC machine is a type of computer-controlled machine that can create precise and complex parts from various materials. A 4 axis CNC machine has four directions of movement: the X, Y, and Z linear axes, as well as the A rotary axis. The X, Y, and Z axes move the cutting tool from left to right, front to back, and top to bottom, while the A axis rotates the tool or the workpiece around the X axis.
A 4 axis CNC machine differs from a conventional 3 axis CNC machine, which can only move on three linear axes. A 4 axis CNC machine can access more sides of the workpiece than a 3 axis CNC machine, reducing the number of setups and operations required to produce a part. A 4 axis CNC machine can also use shorter and more rigid tools than a 3 axis CNC machine, improving the cutting speed and feed rate, as well as reducing the vibration and deflection of the tool.
A 4 axis CNC machine also differs from a 5 axis CNC machine, which can move on five directions: the X, Y, and Z linear axes, as well as the A and B rotary axes. A 5 axis CNC machine can move on all five axes simultaneously and continuously, while a 4 axis CNC machine can only move on three axes at a time, while keeping the other axis fixed in a certain position. This means that a 5 axis CNC machine can create more complex shapes and contours than a 4 axis CNC machine, but it also requires more advanced hardware and software components.
A 4 axis CNC machine is especially useful for machining parts that have flat or prismatic features, such as holes, slots, pockets, grooves, etc. It can also create some simple curved surfaces by tilting the workpiece or the tool at different angles. Some examples of parts that can be made with a 4 axis CNC machine are gears, cams, propellers, impellers, etc.