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Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2024-04-29 Origin: Site
MAXNOVO MACHINE Tips : CNC Machines have gained popularity in recent times across various manufacturing industries. These machines utilize Computer Numerical Control (CNC) technology to automate processes like turning, milling, drilling, and cutting. They offer exceptional precision and accuracy, allowing for the creation of intricate designs and parts. Among the different types of CNC machines available, 3-axis and 5-axis CNC machines are widely used.
Furthermore, CNC Milling Machines are extensively utilized in the majority of manufacturing sectors. They can be broadly classified into two categories: 3-axis CNC Machining Centers and 5-axis Machining Centers, each possessing distinct motion capabilities. This blog article will delve into the advantage and disadvantage of these two types of CNC Machining Center.
Table of Content
1. What is 3-axis CNC Milling Machine ?
1.1 What are the Advantages of 3-Axis CNC ?
2. What is 5-axis CNC Milling Machine ?
2.1 What are the Advantages of 5-Axis CNC ?
3. What is Difference Between 3-axis and 5 axis CNC ?
The 3-axis CNC Milling Machining Center is the most simple type of Vertical machining Machine (VMC), where the work-piece is fixed in a single position. Movement of the spindle is available in the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis linear directions.
The 3-axis CNC Milling Machines are commonly used to shape work-pieces with 2D and 2.5D geometry. While it is possible to machine all five sides of a part using 3-axis CNC machining, it requires a new setup for each side, which can be costly. With a single fixture setup, only one side of the part can be machined.
When utilizing the 3-axis CNC Milling Machine, the material block remains stationary in a vice or on a machine bed. Cutting tools or drills attached to a spindle move along the X, Y, and Z axes, removing shavings to create the final component with precision. The 3-axis CNC Milling Vertical Machining Centers are ideal for producing most shapes and simple parts.
However, the 3-axis CNC machine may face difficulties with unconventional shapes or designs that have deep, narrow cavities that are hard to reach. When working on parts with complex geometries, operators may need to manually reposition the work-piece, which can slow down the process, increase labor and machining costs, and result in a less-than-perfect final product.
Here are the advantages of using 3-axis CNC machines:
Affordable:
3-axis CNC machines are cheaper than 5-axis machines.
User-friendly:
Operating 3-axis CNC machines requires minimal training and they are easy to use.
They are suitable for small to medium-sized businesses as they are also easy to program.
Low maintenance:
Compared to 5-axis CNC machines, 3-axis machines have fewer moving parts, making them easier to maintain and less prone to damage.
Excellent precision:
3-axis CNC machines can produce accurate and precise parts for a wide range of applications.
The 5-axis CNC Machine rely on a tool that moves in five different directions (X-axes, Y-axes, and Z-axes), as well as A-axes and B-axes, around which the tool rotates. The 5-axis CNC machining Center has two rotary axes and three axes in linear directions. The three linear directions are:
X-axis : Left to right movement across the work table horizontally
Y-axis : Up to down movement across the work table horizontally
Z-axis : Vertical movement of the cutting tools
Meanwhile, the rotary axes can be any two axes from this following three axes:
A-axis: Rotary motion along the X-axis
B-axis: Rotary motion along the Y-axis
C-axis: Rotary motion along the Z-axis
The 5-axis CNC Milling Machining Center performs machining operations along five axes of motion. It can move along the three linear axes (X-axes, Y-axes, and Z-axes) and rotate around the other two axes (A-axes and B-axes). This expanded range of motion enables the machine to generate intricate geometries.
Please see above mentioned photo, as shown in Figure (1), if the work-piece is directly placed on the working table for processing, the upper surface is aligned with the spindle. This precisely covers the range of surfaces that can be cutting machining, as highlighted in red. If the A-axis is tilted 90 degrees in this state, it becomes the state shown in Figure (2). Surfaces that cannot be cut in the state of Figure (1) are aligned with the spindle and can be cut in this state.
Furthermore, if the C-axis is tilted 90 degrees, it becomes the state shown in Figure (3), capable of processing the next surface. If the C-axis continues to rotate in this state, other surfaces can be continuously processed. In other words, as long as the workpiece is installed, all surfaces except the bottom surface can be processed in this state. As a result, there is no need to change machining process, it also can reduce processing time and improving processing accuracy.
The 5-axis CNC Vertical Machining Center (VMC) has the ability to produce complex shapes with multiple angles and contours. By moving the cutting tool along five different axes, it can create smoother surfaces and more accurate parts. Additionally, a 5-axis CNC machine can perform continuous milling, allowing the tool to follow the material's curves and produce fewer imperfections.
Using a 5-axis CNC machine eliminates the need to manually reposition the workpiece between operations, as operators can approach the part from all directions in a single operation. This saves time and is particularly useful for creating intricate and precise parts, such as those used in the medical, oil and gas, and aerospace industries. It's important for product teams to be aware of the different types of 5-axis machines available, including indexed 5-axis CNC machines, continuous 5-axis CNC machines, and mill-turning CNC centers.
In indexed 5-axis CNC machining, similar to 3-axis CNC milling, the cutting tool only moves along three axes and does not maintain continuous contact with the work-piece.
However, the machining table and tool head have the ability to automatically rotate in two directions between operations. Indexed 5-axis machining is ideal for producing housings, jigs, and fixtures. It falls somewhere in between 3-axis CNC milling and continuous 5-axis CNC machining in terms of speed, accuracy, and the ability to handle complex shapes.
In continuous 5-axis CNC machining, both the cutting tool and the work-piece can rotate and move simultaneously during operation, which saves time and allows operators to manufacture intricate shapes with smooth surfaces. Continuous 5-axis CNC machining offers improved surface quality, speed, and dimensional stability, but it is also the most expensive option. The 5-axis CNC Milling Machining Center is capable of creating parts such as impellers, turbine blades, molds, and aerospace components. For example, it is used in the aerospace industry to produce intricate designs for aircraft engine parts. The 5-axis capability is also crucial for medical implants and prosthetics.
Here are the advantages of using 5-axis CNC machines:
Enhanced Productivity:
5-axis machines can speed up production and increase efficiency.
They are capable of creating intricate shapes and performing continuous milling tasks.
Improved Precision:
These machines can produce smoother surfaces and more accurate parts by allowing the cutting tool to move along five different axes.
Reduced need for tool changes:
Continuous milling operations enable the creation of complex geometries, resulting in fewer tool changes.
This reduces the need for manual intervention and saves time.
Versatility:
5-axis CNC machines are capable of producing a wide range of work-pieces and geometries.
The main difference between 3-axis and 5-axis CNC Machine is that the work-piece can be worked on from three-axes with the former and five-axes with the latter. The 3-axis CNC Machine is capable of moving its cutting tool along the X-axe, Y-axe, and Z-axe. The 5-axis CNC Machine can move its cutting tool along the X-axe, Y-axe, Z-axe, A-axe and B-axe.
Both the 3-axis CNC Milling Machining Center and the 5-axis CNC Machining Center are highly versatile, automated, and replicable CNC production processes that will enable you to quickly and cost-effectively create accurate components.
If you have a limited budget or only need to machining a flat surface, the 3-axis CNC machine may be the best choice. In addition to being more affordable than those with five axes, 3-axis CNC machines are easier to program, so you won't have to spend money on expensive expert programmers and operators. Additionally, the preparation time is shorter with 3-axis CNC machining.
If you require to machining a deeper work-piece or one with intricate geometry, it is advisable to use 5-axis machining. Utilizing 5-axis CNC machines allows you to machine the work-piece from all angles without the need for manual rotation. With 5-axis CNC machining, you will achieve higher productivity, improved high accuracy, and increased flexibility, as well as the ability to manufacture larger parts at a faster rate.
Not sure How to Choose the 5 axis CNC Milling Machine or 3-axis CNC Vertical Machining Center ? Let MAXNOVO MACHINE assist you. Our team of specialists can guide you through the available CNC machining options and assist you in selecting the most suitable CNC Machines for your project. Welcome you to Contact us (www.maxnovocnc.com) today to get started .
