What is the Difference Between CNC 3-axis Machining, 4-axis Machining, and 5-axis Machining?

Milling is an important technology used in the machining of CNC lathes and has been applied to medical, aerospace, optical and other mechanical parts. Milling uses rotating tools to remove material from a workpiece by feeding the workpiece at an angle relative to the tool axis. The axis the milling machine has determines the type of workpiece and where it can be done on the workpiece. Here, 5 Axis Precision Machining Factory will show you the machining methods of 3 axis, 4 axis and 5 axis, the difference between them, and which machining method to choose for your part.

What is three-axis machining?

3-axis milling is developed from the practice of rotary files. It is a milling process performed on 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 and can be used for automatic / interactive operations, milling grooves, drilling and cutting sharp edges. Because 3-axis machining is performed only on 3 axes, it is relatively simple and allows material to be removed from the 3 axes forward, backward, left and right, up and down, and up and down. Although this is the most basic CNC lathe process, three-axis machining may be the ideal choice for your machining project, depending on your production scale, workpiece requirements, accuracy and finish restrictions, materials used, and your clamping capacity.

What is four-axis machining?

4-axis milling involves the same process involved in 3-axis machining, where cutting tools are used to remove material from the workpiece to create the desired shape and contour. However, in four-axis machining, milling is performed on additional axes. A 4-axis CNC machine operates in the X, Y, and Z axes like a 3-axis machine, but it also includes rotations around the X axis (called the A axis). This is the 4th axis that we added during processing. In most cases, the workpiece will rotate to allow cutting around the B axis. Four-axis milling is useful when you need to punch or cut holes on the side of a workpiece or on a cylinder. They can provide fast and efficient work based on digital input from a computer to get accurate results.

What is 5-axis machining?

5-axis machining includes all axes for 4-axis machining, and an additional rotary axis. 5-axis milling machines are the best CNC milling machines available today, creating CNC Precision Machining Parts for artificial bones, aerospace products, titanium parts, oil and gas machinery parts, automotive molds, medical, construction and military products. The 5th axis in a 5-axis milling machine is around the B axis, and the B axis rotates about the Y axis in the XYZ plane. This multi-dimensional rotation and tool movement give the B-axis unparalleled accuracy, smoothness, 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.

CNC Precision Machining Parts

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

Therefore, which type of processing should be selected for the project. It all depends on your unique requirements, budget and schedule. The above is the difference between 3-axis machining, 4-axis machining and 5-axis machining of CNC lathes introduced by Aluminium Alloy Customized Parts Factory.