5-axis CNC machining services is the use of a CNC machine that operates on five axes to shape, curve, and produce different custom parts. The 5-axis CNC machine can create intricate shapes with up to millimeter precision.
Advantages of 5 Axis Machining
The 5-axis CNC machine has changed how parts are manufactured. It has brought the capability of producing intricate shapes faster, more accurately, and with exceptionally smooth finishes.
Shorter Lead Times
The 5-axis CNC machine can get to more angles so that you do not have to keep turning the material manually to be shaped. This capability of hitting various angles at a time saves a lot of time and achieves higher precision.
Ability to Produce Complicated Shapes
Traditionally, CNC machines operate on three planes, X, Y, and Z. But with the 5-axis CNC machine, there are two more planes that the machine can move on. This flexibility allows the machine to get to intricate angles that were impossible before. As a result, now you can produce highly polished products with small tolerances.
Greater Accuracy
The precision of using a 5-axis CNC machine is impressive. You can achieve intricate shapes while adhering to tight tolerances. This is a sure way of attaining product and performance specifications.
The 5-axis CNC machine is efficient and fast while producing great accuracy. So, now you can create a better workpiece that saves you time and money. In addition, you save more money because of lower tooling costs, less wastage, and low working duration. Furthermore, efficiency guarantees the quality and durability of the product.
Shorter Cutting Tools
Approaching the material curved in five directions reduces the need for long cutters. In addition, using shorter cutters minimizes the vibration of the machine, and hence the results are smoother and more accurate.
5-Axis Machining Applications
The 5-axis CNC machining has improved the capability of producing parts and products with complex specifications and tight tolerances. However, it is essential that you work with a professional machine shop like Evden Enterprises Inc.
The applications of 5-axis machining services span various industries, producing different parts essential for pruning critical operations.
1. Aerospace Industry
The aerospace industry is very sensitive in terms of product quality. Therefore, parts produced for this industry have very tight specifications and are complex geometrically. This is where the 5-axis CNC machining services come in.
Some of the parts produced for this industry include:
- Turbine blades
- Valves
- Fuselage
- Landing gear components
- Bulkheads
2. Automotive Industry
The automotive industry also requires parts with very tight tolerances and complex shapes. But on top of that, parts produced for the automotive industry are produced in large numbers. The 5-axis CNC machining is well suited for this type of production because of its improved turnaround time.
Some of the parts produced for this industry include:
- Housing caps
- Engine parts
- Valves
- Inspection jigs
- Light guide
3. Medical Industry
In the medical industry, quality and accuracy are essential, as a small mishap in the precision of medical equipment and products can be catastrophic or even fatal to the patient. Therefore, the 5-axis machining precision is well suited to produce parts for the medical industry.
Some of the products and equipment produced for the industry include:
- Scanning equipment
- Surgical tools such as surgical scissors, Spacers, Forceps, Cutters, Scalpels, and Clamps
- Implants
4. The Military
The military also uses complex machinery and weaponry that employs the complexity and precision of a 5-axis CNC machine. Some of the parts produced for the military include:
- Weapons
- Submarine parts
- Engine parts
- Turbine blades
- Sensors
5. Electronics Industry
The production of laptops and DSLR calls for applying the 5-axis CNC machining services.
The 5-axis CNC machining services make these electronic castings, enclosures, and other intricate parts fit perfectly.
6. Energy Industry
The energy industry also has its requirement for complex parts and precision shapes. Such is the forte of the 5-axis CNC machining services.
7. General Industry
There are other industry parts that the 5-axis CNC machining services can produce. These include:
- Fittings
- Housings
- Suspension arms
- Ball joints
- Rollers
- Brackets
Understanding the 5 Axis CNC Process
The 5-axis process, as the name suggests, is a CNC process that uses five axes to shape the material into whatever intricate shape is needed. Traditionally, there are three axes, the X, Y, and Z axes.
With these three axes, the machine can only move up and down, front and back, and side by side. But with the 5- axis, there are two additional axes, the A and B axes. The A axis has a center parallel to the X axis, while the B axis has a center parallel to the Y axis.
Using the 5-axis technology, CNC machines can craft intricate shapes and geometries with exceptional precision. The other advantages that come with using a 5-axis technology include:
The CNC machine can achieve the 5-axis in two ways. First, the trunnion or table machine or the swivel-rotate machine.
The trunnion machine adjusts the angle of the table to enable the machine to hit certain angles while the swivel rotate machine adjusts the rotating spindle.
Using the Trunnion is ideal when dealing with a large volume of work that requires heavy removal of materials or when in need of undercuts, whereas using the swivel rotate machine is recommended for heavy parts since the material rests on the table and shorter cutting tools.
Apart from the Trunnion and swivel differences, these 5-axis machines can also vary in how they execute the 5-axis.
These machines execute the 5-axis machining using two strategies. One is simultaneous machining, where the machine constantly adjusts and operates on the material along the 5-axis at a go. The other is the 3-2 combination, where the machine only moves the two extra axes alternatively with the X, Y, and Z axis.
In Summary
Adding two more axes on a traditional CNC machine ups the ante for the production of parts. It has led to shorter lead times, greater accuracy, more complicated shapes, and the use of shorter cutting tools.
This has made the service applicable to various industries, including aerospace, automotive, military, electronic, medicine, energy, and general industries.
