5-axis machining center uses solid ball end mills to cut aluminum aerospace parts. 5-axis machining center table tilting machine. Five-axis machining is taking the machining world by storm, and for good reason. This type of manufacturing, which uses computer numerical control to move cutting parts or tools along five different axes simultaneously, unlocks incredible potential for any shop. Five-axis machining reduces man-hours, eliminates extra setups, increases productivity, and produces beautiful, complex parts. However, understanding 5-axis machining isn't that simple. To help, we'll break down each of the five axes below.
What Are The Three Basic Axes?
Standard 3-axis milling operates on the X, Y, and Z axes. These three linear axes are the directions in which the spindle or part moves (depending on the machine):X-axis: Left to right, Y-axis: Front to back, Z-axis: Up and down. Using all three axes simultaneously, the machine can shave away material to create a variety of three-dimensional objects. It is most useful in cases where the part does not require advanced workholding, does not have deep or narrow cavities, and can be machined in a single setup. For more complex parts, 5-axis machining is better.
What Are the "Extra" Axes On A 5-axis Machine?
In addition to the traditional three axes, 5-axis machining uses two rotary axes: A, B, and/or C.
A-axis: Rotation about the X-axis
B-axis: Rotation about the Y-axis
C-axis: Rotation about the Z-axis
Using a rotary axis means the machine can move the part or cutting tool (spindle head) around one of the previously established linear axes. Different machines will use different combinations of axes (A and B, B and C, or A and C), and each configuration is suited to different types of machining.
What are the different configurations of multi-axis milling machines?
While there is no "standard" multi-axis milling machine configuration, any 5-axis milling center can be placed into one of three main machine types: table/table, head/table, or head/head. Table/table configuration: This configuration is the most common for multi-axis milling machines. Table/table machines have two tables that perform all rotary work. The first table carries the second table, to which the workpiece is attached. This means that the table is the element that rotates around the X, Y, or Z axis of the A, B, or C axis. In other words, the part physically rotates around the cutting tool. Head/head configuration: As opposed to having the workpiece rotate around the cutting tool, a head/head machine uses its spindle head to perform all rotary and oscillating motions. The workpiece itself remains stationary.
Head/Table Configuration: Machines with a head/table configuration are a kind of hybrid between table/table and head/head. These types of machines have both a rotating table and a tilting head. Some of the rotating motion is performed by the table that holds the workpiece, while the spindle head articulates the tilting motion of the tool.