5-axis machining means that a workpiece can be processed from five sides at one time. In addition to movements along the X, Y, and Z axis, the machine utilise 2 out of the 3 possible rotation axis(A, B, C) , the A, B, and C axis perform a 180° rotation around the X, Y, and Z axis Normally, the A axis and B axis will be used as rotational axis on the 5-axis CNC machining. 5-axis machining is one of the multiaxis machining.
There are two types of 5-axis CNC machines normally, 3+2 machines, and fully continuous 5-axis machines.
In 3+2 axis machining,the two rotational axes perform independently to each other, which means that the workpiece can be rotated to any compound angle with respect to the cutting tool. However, it is impossible to rotate both axes at the same time. 3+2 machining can manufacture especially complicated 3D geometries.
Fully continuous 5-axis machining allows simultaneous rotation of two rotary axes, at the same time as machining and the cutting tool moving linearly in XYZ co-ordinates. The continuous 5-axis machining can produce very complex 3D geometry, not only planar compound angled features but also complicated curved 3D surfaces, giving us the capability to produce parts normally reserved for molding processes.
This type of machining is used in the automobile, aerospace, and boating industries. 5 axis machining is beneficial when components are very complex and with high precision. This includes:
- Accuracy Features
- Increased productivity
- Higher quality finishes
- Cutting intricate details
- Machining complex geometry