In CNC machining, what are the differences between 3-axis, 4-axis, 5-axis, machining center, turn-milling compound?

In recent years, through continuous innovation and iteration of CNC machining centers, 3-axis, 4-axis, 5-axis machining centers, turn-milling composite CNC machining centers, etc. Today I will tell you about the characteristics of three different CNC machining centers, four axes and five axes machining centers.

3-axis CNC machining: usually refers to three axes of linear movement in different directions, such as left and right, up and down, and before and after. Three axes can only process 1 surface each time, which is more suitable for processing some disk parts.

4-axis CNC machining: Put 1 rotation axis on the three axes, usually the base plane 360 degrees rotation. But not at high speed. It is more suitable for processing some box shell parts.

5-axis machining center CNC machining: There is one more rotating shaft inside the four axes, usually 360° rotation of the vertical surface, and the 5-axis machining center has realized all aspects of processing, so that a clamping can reduce the clamping cost, and reduce the damage caused by the scratch of the product. It is more suitable for processing multi-station pores and planes, and parts with high processing precision demand. In particular, the shape of the processing precision needs more stringent parts.

Although 5-axis machining centers have outstanding competitive advantages compared to 4-axis and 3-axis. In fact, not all products are suitable for 5-axis machining center, suitable for 3-axis processing may not be suitable for 5-axis machining center, if the original 3-axis processing products with 5-axis machining center, it will not only increase the production cost, the actual effect is not necessarily good.

CNC machining is a manufacturing method based on computer numerical control technology, through pre-programmed computer instructions, control the movement of the tool and the workpiece on the machine tool on different axes, in order to achieve accurate cutting, forming, drilling and other operations. This technology has the characteristics of high precision, high efficiency and consistency, and is widely used in various manufacturing industries.

The main features of CNC machining include:

Precision and repeatability: Due to the accuracy of the computer program, CNC machining can achieve highly accurate machining, ensuring the consistency of the size and shape of the parts, thereby improving the quality and reliability of the parts.

Automation: CNC machining is an automated process that reduces manual intervention and improves production efficiency and consistency.

Flexibility: By modifying or changing the program, the CNC machine can be processed on different workpieces to achieve flexible adjustment of the production line.

Complex shape machining: CNC machining can realize the processing of complex shapes, such as curves, surfaces and engraving, etc., so it is suitable for manufacturing various precision parts.

Increased production efficiency: Compared with traditional manual operations, CNC machining can significantly improve production efficiency and reduce processing time, thus saving costs.

Production environment improvement: Thanks to the automated nature, CNC machining reduces the physical demands on the operator and improves the working environment.

CNC machine tool is the realization of CNC machining equipment, different types of CNC machine tools and their application methods, such as 3-axis, 4-axis, 5-axis machining, machining center and turning and milling compound, have enriched the processing field in different degrees, the following will be an in-depth introduction to the relationship and characteristics between them.

CNC Milling machine:

CNC milling machines are used to process flat, curved and complex shapes by rotating the tool to cut on the workpiece. It can achieve multi-axis movement and is suitable for a variety of materials and processing requirements.

CNC milling machines have different types of 3-axis, 4-axis, 5-axis, etc. These terms refer to the different coaxial motion capabilities of the machine tool.

3 axis machining: 3 axis machine has X, Y, Z three axis movement, suitable for flat and simple surface processing.

4-axis machining: 4-axis machine tools add A rotating axis (usually A-axis) on the basis of the 3-axis, which can achieve rotary machining of the workpiece.

5-axis machining: 5-axis machines add an inclined axis (usually a B-axis) to the 4-axis, allowing the tool to cut at multiple angles and directions.

CNC Lathe:

CNC lathes are used for machining by rotating the workpiece while moving the tool. It is suitable for the manufacture of shaft parts, such as shafts, sleeves, threads, etc.

Common types are flat lathes, inclined bed lathes and vertical lathes. Plane lathes are mainly used for machining plane parts, inclined bed lathes have a sloped bed, suitable for a large number of cutting, vertical lathes spindle perpendicular to the table, suitable for the processing of smaller parts.

Machining Center:

Machining center is a multi-axis CNC machine tool, it integrates a variety of machining functions such as milling, drilling, tapping, etc., and can move in multiple axes at the same time. The advantages of machining centers are high precision, high efficiency and versatility, which are suitable for complex shaped parts, such as engine blocks, molds, etc.

The machining center is mainly based on milling, but usually can also carry out drilling, tapping and other processing operations.

Turning and milling combination:

Turn-milling combination is a machining method that combines the functions of a lathe and a milling machine. It can achieve rotation and linear motion on the same machine tool, so as to achieve complex shape parts processing. This method is suitable for parts that need to rotate and move in a straight line in a plane.

The combination of turning and milling emphasizes the integration of the two processing methods of the lathe and the milling machine, so that the same machine can achieve more kinds of processing operations.

By choosing the right machine tools and processing methods, it is possible to achieve more efficient, precise and flexible parts processing, providing better manufacturing solutions for products in different fields.