What is 5-axis machining?
5-axis machining involves a combination of three linear axes and two rotary axes, moving together to stimulate complex machined surfaces. Here, not all 5-axis work requires interpolation. Mazak parts machine offers versions known as ‘4+1’ or ‘3+2’. It enables multi-axis capability though it is not fully simultaneous.
Here two rotary axes combine to tilt the workpiece in various positions in order to execute 3-axis milling strategies. It is a 5-axis positional machining. It relies on fourth and fifth axes to orient the tool in a fixed position. It does not manipulate during the process.
Who Uses 5-axis machining?
The machinery of such machines entails complex parts. Thus, it is popular in aerospace, automotive, and medical industry. Its parts include prosthetic replacement joints for the medical sector. Mazak parts and other machines parts like VHP 160XL and amada america parts are well suited for high-speed aluminum cutting.
Advantages of 5-axis machining
It makes easy setup of highly complex machines in a single step. It increases productivity as it reduces processing and cycle time.
Its work leads to less time and money spent on the preparation of fixture and machining time. Hence, it gives you a faster return on investment with greater profit margins.
Since it is a 5-axis machining, it would provide greater part accuracy as the workpiece does not move across multiple workstations to complete the part. For instance, a valve block can work on five sides, reducing the overall processing time with improved component accuracy.
Is it difficult to transit from 3-axis to 5-axis machining?
It can be a bit tedious to move to 5-axis machining from simple turning. But if you wish it to move away from traditional processes, it is important to adopt its operations. Industries such as aerospace can take maximum benefits of it.
In its machine design, the users need to look for specific capabilities in the process. For instance, if there is a deflection of the workpiece under the cutting load, it can be an issue with the machine. You can find its solution in the Variaxis I-series and j-series. You would find a number of Mazak parts and machines equipped with a number of functions such as a thermal shield. It ensures accuracy against thermal drift during the 5-axis machining process.
The big change picking up at the runway is the users who are new to it will discover increased program complexity. As the moving tool is running in multiple directions altogether, it creates a leap in tool path strategies. Hence, integrating 5-axis could be complex than replacing out a 3-axis lather. However, with tight support, you can gain more merits of it.
How 5-axis machine programming works?
This programming requires switching from 2D drawings to solid models in CAD/CAM, controlling various cutting designs and strategies such as trochoidal tool paths. If you want to integrate 5-axis into machining operations, CNC is an important component. If you try searching “Amada America parts” or “Mazak parts”, you would find products like Smooth X which has features such as 3D assist for 3+2 type machining. Such machines enable 3D CAD models imported into the CNC.
Other machines include features like health check function with a touch sensor. It helps to maintain the accuracy of a machine with automatic measures for any geometric deviation in the machine’s rotary Centre.
Automation
It is not compulsory to apply automation with a 5-axis work. But for those users who possess a high mix of components in low volumes and wish to save more time, it’s a boon. For example, the Variaxis i-300 awc is a 5-axis machining center with an auto work changer. It is an expandable large capacity tool which can work via smooth CNC.
Overall, one can say that the incorporation of 5-axis into a machine shop’s strategies will require some hand-holding and technical support. Although it might sound like a complex process, introducing it to the system would bring change and represent a step-change in the production capacity.