5-axis CNC machining is a manufacturing process that uses computer numerical control (CNC) technology to control the movements of five axes simultaneously. This enables the production of complex parts with high precision and accuracy.
In traditional CNC machining, the cutting tool moves along three axes (X, Y, and Z) to shape the material. In 5-axis machining, two additional axes (A and B) are added, allowing the cutting tool to move and rotate in a full 360-degree range. This enables the machining of complex shapes and contours that would be difficult or impossible to produce with traditional CNC machining.
The Benifits
5-axis CNC machining has a number of benefits for the manufacturing of complex parts:
- Improved precision and accuracy: By using five axes of movement, 5-axis CNC machining can achieve a higher level of precision and accuracy than traditional CNC machining. This is especially important for parts with tight tolerances or complex geometry.
- Increased efficiency: 5-axis CNC machining can often produce complex parts in a single setup, reducing the need for multiple machining operations and improving overall efficiency.
- Enhanced capabilities: 5-axis CNC machining allows for the machining of parts with complex shapes and contours that would be difficult or impossible to produce with traditional CNC machining.
- Increased flexibility: 5-axis CNC machining can produce a wide range of parts, making it a flexible manufacturing option for many different industries.
Overall, 5-axis CNC machining is a valuable tool for the manufacturing of complex parts, offering improved precision, efficiency, and flexibility.
Case Study of 5-Axis machining at Step Rapid
Project Background:
US customer who work in Auto and space industry always need complex machining parts which require multiple axes to achieve mechanical features by advanced manufacturing process and state-of-the-art facilities.
What can Step Rapid help ?
Step Rapid introduced advanced machinery by investing millions to fulfill what clients need. in this case, we applied 5-axis CNC machine mainly for most of the mechanism.
Challenge during machining:
The Temperature keep heating up during machining and cause continuous deformation of the part, we generally relieve material internal stresses one or two times after rough machining for accurate aluminum parts, general processes: heat parts to 280℃ and keep 3 hours, then allow it to cool slowly in oven, then freeze parts at -70℃ condition for 2 hours, do you call it anneal process?
it makes the parts more difficult to make, we need to consider how to hold the parts design fixtures for second setup on machines.
Internal stresses is the most important part to understand if we want to be able to reach tight tolerances. one of the most overlooked areas of part movement/deflection is clamping load distribution. A rule of thumb is to remember that final finishing cause minimum loading so minimal clamping loads can be applied and therefore minimal deflections to keep pushing those limits.
Working With Step Rapid
We have been offering services CNC machining simple parts to complex ones by working closely with customers . keep pushing the limite to meet your requirement either from programming and process, or through upgrade facility capabilities, and deliver high quality production sustainable quality.
If you have an idea, plan or matured designs, do not hesitate to contact us for the best manufacturing solutions. Or directly share your projects files to sales@www.steprapid.com. Our sales engineers are ready to help you out.