Machining Parts: What Is 5 Axis Machining
Traditional CNC machines have limitations when processing machining parts, such as 3-axis or 4-axis cannot process more complex parts. for complex geometric shapes parts, especially complex structures, and complex curved surface parts, usually require 5-axis machining.
5-axis machining is an advanced machining technology, it has greater flexibility and capabilities than traditional 3-axis or 4-axis machining. it can process more complex and precise parts. in 5-axis machining, the parts can move simultaneously in five axes, including three linear axes and two rotary axes, allowing cutting in more directions, achieving more diverse part processing.
Now, let we depth understanding full 5-axis CNC machining, and 5-axis 3+2 machining.
Machining Parts: Full 5 Axis Machining Advantages
The Full 5-axis machining center application makes impossible reach possible. It integrates milling, engraving, cutting, punching, grooving, and other functions, making various complex parts processing simple, that meet the parts processing needs.
Full 5 axis machining can process high precision parts, it has five independent motion axes, five axes can independent processing, achieve complex three dimensional machining parts. 5 axis machining core technology lies in the machine tool’s ability to simultaneously control the tool and machining parts multiple degrees, thereby achieving great flexibility and precision machining process.
1. Full 5 Axis machining RTCP Function
The full 5-axis machining RTCP function refers to adjusting the tool center point position in real time during the machining process.
In full 5 axis machining, the tool can move in multiple axes simultaneously, the tool center position point lets the parts’ shape constantly change.
The RTCP’s main function is to determine the tool center point on the parts’ surface position during the entire machining process, thereby ensuring the machining parts‘ accuracy and quality. through monitoring the tool position and posture in real time, adjusting according to the machining parts’ shape requirement. the RTCP function can automatically control the tool movement, and keep the tool center point at the desired position.
This function requires complex algorithms and control systems to achieve, usually requiring fine configuration and programming according to specific processing requirements. through using the RTCP function, operators can more easily process complex shapes machining parts, and improve process efficiency and accuracy.
2. Full 5 Axis Machining Five Axis Linkage Function
In 5-axis machining, the three linear axes (X, Y, Z) and two rotary axes (A, B,) combination provide extremely high flexibility and machining capabilities, allowing the machine tool to process machining parts in a variety of complex ways. the following explains these axis detail function and their role in the machining process.
X, Y, Z axis (linear axis):
X-axis: usually responsible for the machine tool’s horizontal movement, from left to right.
Y-axis: also responsible for horizontal movement, but the direction is from back to front.
Z-axis: responsible for vertical movement, that is up and down.
These three axes together form the machine tool’s linear motion system, allowing the tool to move along a straight path in three-dimensional space to process the part.
A-axis (rotation axis):
The A-axis usually refers to the machine tool table rotation, which can rotate around the X-axis, the parts can be processed at different angles. this rotation capability allows the tool to contact the parts at different angles, thereby machining inclined or curved surfaces.
B axis (rotation axis):
The B axis is responsible for the machine table, rotation around the Y axis, this rotation allows the parts processing in the vertical plane, increasing machining flexibility.
B-axis rotation is especially important for three-dimensional machining complex shapes, because it allows the tool to process parts from different directions.
The five-axis linkage function refers to 5-axis CNC machine five-coordinate axes, X, Y, Z, A, and B axis synergic movement. this function moves and rotates the part’s surface in multiple directions simultaneously, so the machine can process complex machining parts.
3. GD&T Annotation
GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) is an international standard for marking geometric dimensions and tolerances on engineering drawings. in full 5-axis machining, GD&T annotations ensure the machining parts’ geometry and dimensions meet design requirements.
here are some common GD&T annotations, it is particularly useful for full 5-axis machining.
Position Tolerance:
Position tolerance is used to specify features’ position relative reference coordinate system, usually conjunction datum plane or datum hole mark. in full 5-axis machining, position tolerance can ensure complex surface positioning accuracy.
Profile Tolerance:
Profile tolerance is used to describe the feature’s contour shape, including straight lines, arcs, etc., to ensure that the machining parts’ overall shape meets the design requirements.
In full 5-axis machining, profile tolerance is very important, it ensures complex surface contour accuracy.
Axiality Tolerance:
Axiality tolerance is used to describe two feature axes’ common line degrees. It is suitable for the axes lines that need align.
In full 5-axis machining, axiality tolerance can ensures rotation axis line accuracy.
Circularity Tolerance:
Circularity tolerance is used to describe the circularity of circular features, ensure circular features and geometric shape meets the design requirements.
In full 5-axis machining, circularity tolerance controls the rotation parts’ circularity.
Angularity Tolerance:
Angularity tolerance is used to describe the feature inclination angle, ensure the feature inclination angle within a certain range.
In full 5-axis machining, the inclination tolerance controls the feature inclination angle, such as the bevel inclination.
4. Multi Surface Machining Capabilities:
Complex surface machining: The full five-axis machine can process complex surfaces along multiple angles, complete machining parts shape.
Three dimensional machining: full 5 axis machining can cut in multiple directions at the same time, making parts structures more accurate.
5. Improve Production Efficiency:
Reduce clamping times: The full five axis machine tool can approach the parts’ surface at multiple angles, reducing clamp times, and improving production efficiency.
Reduce tool change times: Through five axis linkage processing, reduced tool change, the processing time can be reduced, improving production efficiency.
6. Machining Accuracy And Surface Quality:
More precise control: The full five-axis machine tool can more accurately control the parts’ position, achieving higher precision machining.
Smooth surface: It can process curved surfaces and irregular shapes, the parts’ surface is smoother and finer.
7. Flexibility And Diversity:
Processing complex machining parts: It can process complex three-dimensional curved surfaces, spiral shapes, and other parts shapes to meet diverse processing needs.
Widely applicable: It is suitable for aerospace, automobile manufacturing, electronic products processing, etc.
5 Axis 3+2 Machining
5-axis 3+2 is also called “5-axis machine”, but its operation mode differs from the full 5-axis machining. in 5-axis 3+2 machining, although the machine has 5 axes, but all axes can not simultaneously move during machining. the machine configuration or program limits the processing method, because 5-axis 3+2 does not have RTCP function, While 5 axis 3+2 Machining may offer some flexibility in certain situations, its processing methods may have some limitations compared with full 5 axis machining, such as its ability to process complex surfaces or three-dimensional parts.
Some 5 axis 3+2 machining machines also support five axis linkage without RTCP function. RTCP is actually an algorithm. when the coordinate system angle changes, the corresponding XYZ value should be compensated. machine operators more conveniently set the tool in the center (the steps are almost the same 3 axis). Five-axis machine tools without RTCP function, require operators to calculate the difference between the part center and rotation center, and then offset in the program, which is relatively troublesome.
Summary
Full 5-axis machining has greater machining freedom and higher precision than 5 axis 3+2 machining. in full 5-axis machining, the workpiece along the five axes rotated and tilted in any direction, which makes the machining more flexible and diverse, and can complete complex surfaces, and complex structures machining parts.
In contrast, 5 axis 3+2 machining only can move on three coordinate axes, while the tool head only rotate on two fixed axes, so it is limited by the machining shape and structure.
Full 5 axis machining can reduce component fixtures need, improve machining efficiency and accuracy, and processe complex geometric parts. Therefore, full 5-axis machining is significantly better than 5 axis 3+2 machining.
Let’s discuss your project
