5-Axis CNC machining is more sophisticated than traditional CNC Machining. Regular 3-axis machines move in three directions (X, Y, and Z coordinates), but the 5-axis adds two more rotary axes allowing them to work on complex-shaped workpieces. Here are five benefits you will get from the 5-Axis CNC machining.
Fewer Setups
You can machine virtually every visible surface with 5-axis machining technology without the clamping and bottom portion. For this facility, you don’t need to set up multiple fixtures for different surfaces. Thus you can minimize your manufacturing costs significantly.
Complex Shapes
The capability of working with complex shapes is the most important benefit of 5-axis machining. The additional movement provides complicated machining angles and arcs. Without this facility, you will need multiple fixtures to work on various angles, increasing your production cost and increasing production time.
Relational Accuracy
When the setup changes, the accuracy will change. When you remove a part from the machine, you can achieve precise alignment again. As CNC machining is all about precise operations, even a slight loss of accuracy can be costly. 5-axis machining feature to feature accuracy for your final production.
3+2 Axis Machining
You can machine with simultaneous movement in 5-Axis with the 5-axis machining process. But some parts need 3+2 movement. Luckily you can also achieve this in a 5-axis machining process.
In the 3+2 machining technique, the workpiece stays fixed on either side of the fifth axis and does not move simultaneously. For some parts, you will need this CNC machining process.
Better Surface Finish
The fourth and fifth axis rotation can bring the workpiece closer to the cutting tool. Therefore, you can use a shorter cutting tool to perform your operation. A shorter cutting tool has less susceptibility against vibration and can generate higher cutting speeds. As a result, with 5-Axis machining, you will have better-finished products.
