4-axis Machining v.s 5-axis Machining

Milling is an important technology of cnc precision machining, which is widely used in medical, aerospace, optical, mechanical and other fields. In milling, the material is removed from the workpiece by means of a rotating cutter which feeds the material from the workpiece to the cutter shaft at an Angle. The axis of the milling machine determines the type and location of the workpiece. Here, let's take a look at the difference between four-axis and five-axis machining.

List:

1. What are the CNC machine “axes”?

2. What is 4-axis machining?

3. What is 5-axis machining?

What are the CNC machine “axes”?

Intuitively, it seems that the three axes can cover all possible shapes. By moving the tool along the X, Y, and Z axes (from side to side, front and back, up and down), the machine should be able to cut the workpiece anywhere on its surface. By manually repositioning the workpiece on the table at regular intervals (creating a new "set"), the machine operator can also allow the cutting tool to enter either side of the workpiece.

However, while many CNC machines use only three axes, this is sufficient for many projects, but there are other axes to develop.

These additional axes are the result of rotation around one or two X, Y, and Z axes, taking into account not only position but also direction. In fact, these shafts can be used by rotating the cutter or by tilting the work table to hold the workpiece in place.

What is 4-axis machining?

4-axis milling uses a cutting tool to remove material from the workpiece to produce the desired shape and contour, involving the same process involved in 3-axis machining. However, in the case of 4-axis machining, milling is performed on the additional shaft. The 4-axis CNC machine runs on the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis, just like a 3-axis machine, but it also includes a rotation around the X-axis, called the A-axis. This is the 4th axis added to our machining process. 4-axis milling is useful when you need to make holes and cuts around the sides or around the part.

Four-axis micro-milling machine runs vertically and can work in time. They are user-friendly, with manual and computer-guided operations. Four-axis machine tool is only one step away from five-axis machine tool. It has the characteristics of high quality and high precision engraving, drilling and milling. Although there are some shortcomings in four-axis CNC machine tools, their uses are different, including:

industry

Technical research

teaching

Hobby prototype building

Advertising Design

Creative art

Medical device creation

The 4-axis is a multi-purpose CNC tool that runs on wood, foam, composite panels, aluminum alloys and even PCBs.

What is 5-axis machining?

Shaft machining includes all shafts of the four-axis machining and additional rotating shafts. Five-axis milling machine is the best CNC milling machine in the market at present, for artificial bone, aerospace products, titanium alloy parts, oil and gas machinery parts, automobile mold, medical, construction, military products and other sophisticated parts. The five-axis milling machine rotates around axis b in the x-y-z plane. This multi-dimensional rotation and tool movement gives the b-axis unparalleled precision, finish, and speed in production. Five-axis machining makes very complex parts, which is why it is important for advanced applications such as aerospace applications.

In short, 5-axis machining involves moving the part or cutting tool along five different axes simultaneously using the CNC. This makes it possible to machine very complex parts.

Five-axis milling machine is the best CNC milling machine nowadays. It is a fast and precise micro-processing power device. Compared with four-axis CNC machine tools, it provides excellent functions and perfect products and parts. This extremely fast milling machine has high efficiency and impressive production capacity:

Artificial bone

Aerospace products

Titanium creation - practical and artistic purposes

Oil and gas machinery parts

Car mould

medical technology

Building door frame

Military grade products

The 5-axis CNC cuts the world's most complex and cumbersome design. It runs much faster than a 4-axis CNC machine and offers the highest precision and quality vertical milling available today.

As the name suggests, the tool used for 5-axis machining moves in five different directions corresponding to the three linear X, Y, and Z axes, with the addition of two axes A and B around which the tool rotates. With this configuration, the part can be accessed from all directions and can be machined from five sides in a single operation. This technology is ideal for deeper parts made of harder materials and ensures high precision thanks to the use of shorter machining tools. The machining speed is also faster, while reducing tool vibration. In addition, while operating 4-axis machining is simpler, 5-axis machining requires longer preparation times but requires less material handling.

Therefore, according to this short essay, we have introduce both 4-axis and 5-axis to you. Which type of machining should you choose for your project will all comes down to your own unique requirements, budget and timeline. If necessary, please consult us in order to find the suitable products.