Do you want to know the best tips and tricks for 5-axis CNC machines in 2022?

The basic structure of a 5-axis CNC milling machine

In space, as we know, an object exists with 6 degrees of freedom, three translations along its axis, and three rotations around its axes. From the image, you can easily visualize the axes of motion. 

When manufacturing a 5-axis CNC machine, in addition to the default six axes, the manufacturer adds three extra axes: U, V, and W.

Some famous manufacturers worldwide offer many different types of machine structures; here are some basic classes.

Table-Table (table-table)

This is a prevalent basic structure in small and medium-sized machines, usually two axis A or B (rotation types A and C are the most common).

Head-Head (head-head)

With the Head-Head type machine structure, the machine structure is usually large, integrated with the 5-sided machining head, then the entire tool head will replace by a 5-sided machining head. 

Head-table style

This type of structure is usually a medium-sized machine. The table has an automatic pallet change system; this structure also often arranges at the top or standing.

Movements on a 5-axis CNC machine

On a 5-axis milling machine, how do we usually visualize the movements? 3+2 motion or five-axis simultaneous motion below. I will present the basic directions for us to imagine.

I will use the illustration later on in the programming part of my Mastercam. It will go specifically to the options in each command when we use those commands.

3-axis, 3+2, or 5-axis machining

A or B axis is fixed, and the C axis rotates with the X, Y, and Z axes. Usually, this is like the movement on a 5-sided machine. 

What is the default in a 5-axis CNC machine?

Some old CNC machines typically use G68 and G11 instructions to rotate or move the origin; when moving or rotating, it still takes the root G54 as the reference origin. With the included options, you only need to declare the rotation angle and the destination point’s X, Y, and Z coordinates to finish.

In addition, the process of getting the workpiece origin is also done automatically by the probe. 

The basic structure of a 5-axis CNC milling machine

In space, as we know, an object exists 6 degrees of freedom. Three translations along its axis and three rotations around its axes. From the image, you can easily visualize the axes of motion.

When manufacturing a 5-axis CNC machine, in addition to the default six axes, the manufacturer adds three extra axes: U, V, and W.

• XYZ are straight linear axes.
• ABC is the axes of rotation corresponding to XYZ.
• UVW are parallel axes corresponding to XYZ.

So now we want to take the center and run the details as shown below on the machine with the automatic probe; how to do this?

Check the position of the center of rotation on the 5-axis CNC machine

 (PSP) is an acronym for Program Zero Position In the software. We only need to know two parameters, MRHP and PZP, before the tool runs in the original PZP. The 5-axis CNC machine explains more carefully in the following section programming guide on Mastercam software.

Flatness check

Using a counter to check the flatness of the table, you can move the probe up to 4 points on the table. Let the C axis rotate around its center; pay attention to this position. The A axis must be at the A0 position.

Benefits of 5-axis CNC machining

The UCM-Series 5-axis CNC machine is an efficient method. To reduce mounting settings and increase accuracy. For complex part sets with multiple machined surfaces.

Reduce setup time (jig).

An essential reason for using a multi-axis machine is to reduce the setup time for the part. Suppose there are many custom jigs for the subsequent operations. It will be costly and time-consuming. Most pieces can be machined in one or two setups, reducing extra jigs and time.

Accuracy.

Anytime you move apart from one fixture to another, there is a risk of misalignment or both during setup and operation. It is often easy to accumulate errors when milling faces with multiple attachments.

A suitable grading table or 5-axis CNC machine allows low travel accuracy (short workpiece position change distance), fast cutter speeds, and thus increased cutting quality. And more powerful cuts can be obtained with high rotation and feed rates while high precision maintain.

Better machined surface quality

Using short knives minimizes deflection while minimizing vibrations and creating smooth and precise cuts.

When using a ball mill it generally recommends that the tip contact point does not rotate around the tip (spinning – the information is exposed to many places rather than a single point – causing rapid wear).

When tilting, the workpiece will be accessible to the entire tool area you desire. Thus, not only improving surface quality but also increasing tool life.

Improve technology capabilities.

Some parts cannot be machined on 3-axis machines. And some other products require multiple attachments to process on 3-axis devices. Moreover, you can machine with a 5-axis CNC machine for parts using simultaneous movements and take your workshop work to the next level.

Products processed with simultaneous multi-axis movement

You should note that by machining with multiple axes simultaneously, the accuracy will be lower than grading machines like 3+2 axes; for example, concurrent machining has low rigidity, so you should only finish machining.

There is always a difference between design and production. Usually, if we talk about design. We don’t talk much about CNC programming. When we manufacture those Designed parts, the result leads to many consequences of difficult-to-complete production.

Moreover, in professional companies, design and production carry out in parallel. A 5-axis CNC machine is an ideal solution; engineers can save a lot of time and production costs.