The 5-axis CNC machining center has the characteristics of high efficiency and high precision, and the complex processing can be completed in one clamping of the workpiece. It can adapt to the processing of modern molds such as auto parts and aircraft structural parts. There is a big difference between a 5-axis machining center and a pentahedral machining center. Many people do not know this and mistake the pentahedron machining center for a five-axis machining center. The five-axis machining center has five axes of x, y, z, a, and c. The xyz and ac axes form 5-axis linkage processing. The “pentahedron machining center” is similar to a 3-axis machining center, except that it can do five surfaces at the same time, but it cannot do special-shaped machining, oblique holes, cutting bevels, etc.
Seven advantages of 5-axis CNC machining center:
- It is suitable for processing complex special-shaped parts. The 5-axis machining center can realize the processing of complex parts that are difficult to achieve or basically unmachinable by general machining centers, so it is widely used in aerospace, shipbuilding, mold, and other processing industries.
- It is suitable for processing complex special-shaped parts. The 5-axis machining center can realize the processing of complex parts that are difficult to achieve or basically unmachinable by general machining centers, so it is widely used in aerospace, shipbuilding, mold, and other processing industries.
- High-precision machining. The 5-axis machining center completes the inspection by dimensional analysis of the material through 5-axis positioning, so the accuracy of the 5-axis vertical machining center is higher than that of the ordinary machining center.
- The processing is firm and firm. Master the computer, eliminate human error, the parts have good processing consistency and firm quality.
- High flexibility. When dealing with object conversion, it is generally only necessary to change the numerical control sequence, which shows good adaptability and can save a lot of time for production. Based on the 5-axis machining center, an automated production system with high flexibility can be formed.
- Efficient. The 5-axis machining center has high machining accuracy. The rigidity of the bed is large, and the processing volume can be automatically selected. The 5-axis machining center has high productivity, which is generally 3~5 times that of the ordinary machining center. It can cope with the processing of some complex parts and can increase by more than ten times or even dozens of times.
- Good production conditions. The machine has a high degree of automation, the operator’s work intensity is greatly reduced, and the working environment is better.
- Conducive to management. The use of 5-axis machining centers is conducive to the mastery and management of production and creates conditions for the automation of the production process.
In the CNC processing industry, batch parts CNC processing can show advantages of processing, one of the advantages that is efficiency.
Because CNC processing batch parts need to take save time into consideration first, efficiency can reduce a lot of costs, and the important thing is to save time. Usually, the efficiency of 3-axis machine CNC processing batch parts is relatively low. It needs to be clamped a few times first. If the part has four sides, the entire workpiece needs to be machined on six sides and clamped six times.
How small batch parts can highlight the advantages of five-axis CNC machining
Not to mention machining efficiency, clamping takes a lot of time, and assigning multi-faceted machining takes up more machines. If you encounter a side that is not easy to process, you need to make a fixture to match the processing, which is not ideal in terms of cost and efficiency. However, 5-axis simultaneous machining improves many problems. let’s say efficiency first. 5-axis CNC machining and clamping do not require that much effort.
It only needs one clamping to complete the processing of multiple surfaces, which improves the efficiency, reduces the pressure of CNC on-site clamping, and also reduces lot of time and cost for the processing of the fixture. Usually, one set 3-axis machine tool needs six setups to complete the machining of the workpiece. Basically, one set 5-axis machine tool can complete the machining of the entire workpiece with only two clampings.
Therefore, the efficiency of 5-axis CNC machining has a great advantage, followed by quality. On the premise of ensuring efficiency, batch parts must take ensure quality into consideration first.
If there is a quality problem, the entire batch of workpieces will be repaired. Even the entire batch will be scrapped. Therefore, before improving efficiency, we must take ensure good quality into consideration first. Due to a large number of clamping times, there will be some errors when machining the sides of multi-faceted batch parts with 3-axis machining.
On one hand, it has nothing to do with the increase in cost, and there will be some defects in quality. However, in 5-axis CNC machining, some complex flanks can provide a cutting environment for the tool according to the change of the workpiece angle. Since there is no need to disassemble the workpiece for calibration, the error when machining the sides is greatly reduced. In many complex structures that cannot be processed by three axes, five axes can also be processed according to changing angles, which also reduces the cost and ensures the quality of the workpiece.
Partner with RJC
Still hesitating to use a 5-axis CNC machine? RJC can help. Our team’s experts can talk to you through your part design drawings and help you choose the best solution for your project. As a trusted CNC machining partner, RJC also provides high-quality CNC machining capabilities through CNC machining equipment based on routers, lathes, drills, and milling machines. Contact us today to get started.
Visit our Resource Center to learn more about CNC machining, including tips for reducing costs and design best practices.