There has never been greater interest in 5-axis cnc cutting machine. Manufacturers of all sizes, including small shops, have come to the realization that multi-axis machining opens doors to business opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach. In addition, the cost of these systems, although still very high (you get what you pay for), are within reach for any business that has access to enough work, not necessarily production, to keep this equipment cutting chips.
Why is 5-axis Machining Popular?
There are several reasons why this technology has become particularly attractive:
1. Simultaneous 5-axis machining makes it possible to carve out what-used-to-be impossible amorphous shapes such as airfoils that are the basis of rapidly advancing 21st century technologies. 2. Positioning capabilities allow 5-axis systems to attack, repeatedly, the machining of features in various planes from the most advantageous positions for breakthrough improvements in productivity. A recent video on YouTube shows the manufacturing of an aluminum engine block at Donovan Racing by relentlessly attacking the work piece from different angles using high-speed 2D and 3D tool paths. The rate of metal removal is so fast (250 lb in less than 2 hours) that the conveyors cannot haul the chips away fast enough. 3. Elimination of multiple setups not only improves productivity and machining accuracy, while reducing labor and fixturing costs, but it also opens the door to lights out manufacturing opportunities. So even small shops can apply more spindle hours to higher value-added work without necessarily increasing staff.
With all that said, it is also true that the cost of today’s excellent 5-axis machining centers is still a shock to the system for those who ultimately purchase them. The potential advantages enumerated above will provide no consolation until the ultimate realization, which will be weeks or months after installation of the equipment. If only there were some sort of policy you could buy to ensure that the technology you have invested so heavily in will actually pay the anticipated dividends. The good news is that such insurance does exist: capable multi-axis CAM software.
Growing into 5-Axis
Most CNC users who first venture into 5-axis cutting machines do not usually start out in a big way. They purchase a modest 5-axis machining center or simply add a rotary table to their existing 3-axis machine, which they then use for positioning to eliminate multiple set-ups, this type of machining is 3 + 2 indexing. Many of these first time users do not give a great deal of thought to software. They have paid so much for their new equipment that they appreciate opportunities to cut corners a little and buy minimalist 5-axis CAM software with only the capabilities that they will immediately need.
www.aluminum-machine.com. SHUNDE Kingtool Aluminum Doors and Windows Machinery Co., Ltd. is an integrative enterprise of R&D, production and management. It is a director unit of China Building Metals Construction Association of Ministry of Construction and became the profession standard drafter of national aluminum processing in June, 1998. Furthermore, its product has gained the honor of “Chinese Famous Product".