What is 4-axis CNC Milling Machine

 Shaft machining is an interesting sub-section of CNC milling and an integral part of precision engineering. To understand why the fourth axis is used in a CNC milling machine and understand the role of the fourth axis, please read below. You may mistakenly believe that the 4th axis is used in the same way as the rotary table in manual machining. This may be the case in some projects, but manual processing is usually not correct. Manual 4-axis machining typically involves cutting along an arc, which is difficult to implement manually.

List:

1. The definition of 4-axis CNC milling machine

2. How 4-aixs milling Works

3.The application of 4-axis CNC milling in packaging

 The definition of 4-axis CNC milling machine

4-axis milling uses a cutting tool to remove material from the workpiece to produce the desired shape and contour. 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 cylinders. They can provide fast and efficient work based on computer digital input to get accurate results. Similar to the 3-axis CNC vertical milling machine, the 4-axis micro-milling machine operates vertically and can function in time. They are user friendly and have manual and computer boot operations. The 4-axis is just one step away from the high-quality, precision engraving, drilling and milling of 5-axis machines compared to detailed work and precision. Despite its shortcomings, 4-axis CNC machines can be used for different purposes, including: industry, technical research, teaching, hobby prototype building, advertising Design, creative art and medical device creation. The 4-axis is a versatile CNC tool that can run on wood, foam, composite panels, aluminum alloys and even PCBs with a slightly higher function than the 3 axes.

How 4-aixs milling Works

The 4th axis is usually used for indexing or continuous mode. When used for indexing, cutting is not performed until the 4th axis stops and is locked with a brake. Some fourth axes are called indexers and they are used for indexing in fixed increments. However, when the 4th axis is continuously used, the 4th axis will rotate when the cutting occurs. An example of a component produced in this manner is a CAM lobe.

 Index processing is more useful than you might think first, and continuous machining is not always the best solution for meeting CNC needs. The advantage of 4-axis indexing is that one of the CAM software required for indexing is not as complicated as continuous processing. The index also provides better access to related components, which is very useful when creating something as complex as a gear. The 4th axis machining of the gear will index the part, stop, allowing one tooth of the cutting gear, and then indicate the position of the next tooth in the next gear. 

The fourth axis indexing of the horizontal machining center is more efficient than vertical machining. Horizontal machining is assisted by gravity and due to the fact that almost all horizontal milling cutters have a fourth axis tombstone arrangement. This tombstone layout is powerful and increases the productivity of the CNC machine shop. Tombstones can also be mounted on vertical milling machines, but with small gaps and can only be used for relatively flat parts. 4-axis machining can also be continuous, in which case it is often referred to as 4-axis contour machining. Continuous 4-axis machining allows the production of extremely complex parts that are almost impossible to produce by indexing. Indexing at multiple locations can provide similar results to continuous machining, but the process is not as powerful as true continuous machining on the 4-axis.

The application of 4-axis CNC milling in packaging

4-axis package processing is commonly referred to as packaging in the CNC. This special program can be used to engrave text on the side of a cylinder, which is a good example of packaging in the CNC. It is impossible to wrap text around a cylinder without the 4th axis, and the text does not wrap around the cylinder correctly. The fourth axis allows the machine to believe that it is actually engraved on a plane, but in fact it is engraved on the rotating cylinder, providing excellent results and completion. 

4-axis machining is common in all modern CNC workshops, in some of the most modern workshops. The 4-axis machine tool is a powerful machining technology that facilitates existing work and enables new and improved technologies. 4-axis machining requires less setup than 3-axis machines and allows CNC machine shops to work faster and more efficiently than before.

Advances in CNC technology and CNC milling mean that CNC machines can work faster and more efficiently than ever before. As machines become more efficient and powerful, and advanced technology allows for the processing of more complex parts, CNC will continue to grow. For more information, please contact us.