What is the difference between 3-axis, 4-axis and 5-axis in CNC machining?

Views: 38     Author: Wang     Publish Time: 2022-10-11      Origin: Ruili

CNC milling machines are categorized by the number of axes they operate, and these movements determine the part features that can be manufactured, and also affect productivity and accuracy. In general, the more degrees of freedom are available, the more complex the geometry can be produced. What's the difference between 3-axis, 4-axis and 5-axis? What are their advantages? Which products are they suitable for processing? This article will give a brief introduction.


01. 3-Axis CNC Machining

3-axis CNC machining generally refers to three axes that move linearly in different directions, such as up and down, front and rear, left and right. The three-axis can only machine one face at a time, which is suitable for machining some disc parts, which is a limitation for many parts that need to machine holes or grooves on multiple faces.3 axis CNC machining

02. 4-Axis CNC Machining

4-axis CNC machining is to add a rotation axis to the 3-axis, generally 360° rotation on the horizontal plane. But it cannot rotate at high speed, and it is suitable for processing some box parts. Most 4-axis CNC machines also allow the workpiece to rotate, which is called a b-axis, so that the machine can function as both a mill and a lathe.

4-axis CNC machining is the way to go if you need to drill holes on the side of a part or on the surface of a cylinder. It greatly speeds up the machining process and has high machining accuracy.
4 axis cnc machining

03. 5-Axis CNC Machining

5-axis CNC machining is an additional rotation axis on top of the 4-axis. Generally, the vertical surface rotates 360°. The five-axis can already be fully processed. It can realize one-time clamping, which can reduce the cost of clamping and reduce product scratches and bumps. .

Due to the high versatility of 5-axis CNC machining, it can be used to manufacture complex precision parts. Such as medical parts for artificial limbs or bones, aerospace parts, titanium parts, oil and gas machinery parts, military products, etc.


5 axis cnc machining

How to choose?

Although the advantages of 5-axis compared to 4-axis and 3-axis are very prominent, not all products are suitable for 5-axis machining, and those suitable for 3-axis machining are not necessarily suitable for 5-axis machining. 5-axis machining will not only increase the cost, but the effect is not necessarily good.

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