What is the difference between 3-axis machining, 4-axis machining and 5-axis machining on CNC lathes?

Milling is an important technique used in CNC lathe machining and has been applied to mechanical parts such as medical, aerospace, optics, etc. Milling uses a rotating tool to remove material from a workpiece by feeding it at an angle relative to the tool axis. The axes a milling machine has determines the type of workpiece and where it can be done on the workpiece. Here we take a look at 3-axis, 4-axis and 5-axis machining, how they differ and which machining method to choose for your part.

What is three-axis machining?

3-axis milling evolved from the practice of burrs, a milling process performed in two axes, the X and Y axes. In three-axis machining, the workpiece remains stationary while the cutting tool moves along three axes to mill the part. 3-axis machining remains one of the most widely used techniques for manufacturing mechanical parts for automated/interactive operations, slot milling, drilling and cutting sharp edges. Because 3-axis machining is performed on only 3 axes, it is relatively simple and allows material to be removed from these 3 axes in a forward-backward, left-right, up-down, and up-down representation.

While this is the most basic CNC lathe machining process, 3-axis machining may be ideal for your machining project, depending on your production scale, workpiece requirements, accuracy and finish constraints, materials used, and your gripping capabilities .

Four-axis machining What is four-axis machining?

4-axis milling involves the same process involved in 3-axis machining, where a cutting tool is used to remove material from a workpiece to create the desired shape and contour. However, in four-axis machining, milling is performed on an additional axis. A 4-axis CNC machine operates on the X, Y and Z axes like a 3-axis machine, but it also includes rotation around the X axis (called the A axis). This is the 4th axis added in our machining process. In most cases, the workpiece will rotate to allow cutting around the B axis.

Four-axis milling is useful when holes need to be punched or cut in the side of a workpiece or in a cylinder. They can provide fast and efficient work based on numerical input from a computer, resulting in precise results.

What is 5-axis machining?

5-axis machining includes all axes of 4-axis machining, plus an additional axis of rotation. 5-axis milling machines are the best CNC milling machines available today, capable of creating precise and complex parts for artificial bones, aerospace products, titanium parts, oil and gas machine parts, automotive molds, medical, construction and military products. The 5th axis in a 5-axis mill revolves around the B-axis, which rotates around the Y-axis in the XYZ plane. This multi-dimensional rotation and tool movement gives the B-axis unmatched precision, finish and speed in workpiece production. 5-axis machining produces very complex parts, which is why it is so important in advanced applications such as aerospace applications.

However, five-axis machining is also becoming more popular as it offers the option of single-step machining (reducing lead times), better access to part geometry, and improved tool life and improved tool life by tilting the table. processing efficiency. Ideal cutting position.

Therefore, which type of machining should be selected for the project. It all depends on your unique requirements, budget and schedule. For expert advice on CNC lathe machining, contact one of our dedicated precision engineers to find the right fit for your needs.