By: Rudy Silva
Submitted: 2010-08-18 01:17:45 | Word Count: 564
5 axis CNC refers to the ability of a Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) machine to perform 5 different axis simultaneously. Most CNC manufacturers describe their machine movement starting with three primary axis: X, Y, and Z. Z axis is parallel to the tool spindle. The other two axis are provided by the machine’s ability to rotate about the X and Y axis.
The Axis Rx rotates parallel and about the X axis. Axis Ry rotates parallel to and about the Y axis. Axis Rz represents the pivotal movement of the cutting tool installed into the machine spindle center.
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Using 5-axis machining offers a few benefits. With such a machine, you can make complex shapes in a single set-up. In turn, this reduces set-up time, which increases production rates. In addition, with the elimination of multiple set-ups, time and errors are reduced.
The features-to-features accuracy is also enhanced with a 5-axis CNC machine because the same zero or datum reference frame is used throughout the manufacturing process. Moreover, since the simultaneous rotation is allowed along the Y and X axis, more rigid and shorter tools may be used.
The higher spindle/cutting tool speeds may be achieved while decreasing the load on the cutting tool. The shorter and thicker cutters slow down the vibration when machining deep pockets or contoured features with 3-axis machines.
Some applications of 5-axis machines include the complex three dimensional profiles, which are common for turbine blades, impellers, and plastic mold tools. Using this machine tool, your tasks would only include knowing the information about the motion of tools such as the machining shape, the machining operation, and the cutting condition.
When you want to work on machining sculpture surfaces on 5-axis CNC milling machines, you have to determine the direction vector of the milling cutter. The direction vector is obtained from the premise that the bottom part of the milling cutter rides on free-form surfaces using a z-map method.
This z-map method can be applied to all geometric types of sculptured surfaces. After the 5-axis NC part programs are generated, sculptured surfaces are machined with a 5-axis CNC milling machine.
The 3D CNC software is used for graphical simulation and time calculation. With it, you can simulate and optimize the process as early as during job planning. There is no need to make complex tests on the real machine.
The errors in the program are instantly displayed on your monitor. Also, the position of the vacuum cups is displayed and checked to prevent collisions with tools during non-stop processing.
Among its highlights are moving aggregate layout, rotating work piece after an NC-stop, and simulation seen in different views. Even the processing times are displayed without simulation. There is also automatic read-in of the machine configuration with 3-axis and 5-axis CNC machine processing.
5-axis CNC machining is used to carve designs on woods to make furniture and interior décor. It is also used to carve out shapes from different materials as part of a finished product like making helmets from plastic.
Author Resource:-
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