Four degrees of freedom are included in 4 Axis CNC machining. That is, the tool or the workpiece can be moved or rotated along four axes. As a result, the workability appears to be greater than that of 3 Axis CNC machining.
The addition of a fourth axis enables the production of more complicated components. It may also be utilized to enhance the number of pieces that can be worked on at the same time. As a result, firms favor 4 Axis CNC machining as a cost-effective technique for improving production capacities.
Working Principle of 4 Axis CNC Machining
4 Axis CNC machining functions identically to 3 axis CNC machining, with the exception of one additional rotational axis for the workpiece. The cutting tool may travel along the X, Y, and Z axes, exactly like a three-axis milling machine.
On the table, an extra rotating mechanism serves as the fourth axis. It is also known as the A-Axis. Typically, a cylindrical workpiece is clamped inside it and turned to accomplish machining from various angles. As a result, the item may be machined without requiring any changes to the setup.
- Programming
4 axis A CAM program may be used to program CNC milling/turning machines. It creates an appropriate toolpath for the CNC machine. The CAM application allows you to configure the machining sequence, rotation speed, tool selection, and so on.
- Workholding
The workpiece is securely clamped into the 4th axis chuck. A tombstone is sometimes connected to the 4th axis to serve as a mounting platform for several pieces. As a result, various machining activities may be completed at the same time without the need to calibrate the workpiece each time.
- Machining
4 axis CNC machines can mill and turn at the same time. Simply swapping out the milling tools for lathe cutting tools transforms the CNC milling machine into a CNC turning machine. The CNC machine is controlled by supplying the CAM program’s produced codes.
Advantages of 4 Axis CNC Machining
The primary benefits of 4 axis CNC machining over 3 axis CNC machining are discussed below.
- Reduced Setup Change: Working on items from four distinct angles is possible with four axles machining. This reduces the need for needless configuration modifications.
- Higher Production Capacity: When compared to 3 axis machining, 4 axis machining can handle more components. The incorporation of a tombstone in a four-axis machine exponentially boosts the machining capacity by enabling the simultaneous processing of over four times the number of components.
- More Efficient: Any three-axis CNC router may be upgraded to a four-axis CNC router. It only demands a minimal investment. However, as compared to the 3 axis CNC router, it significantly boosts production speed and capacity.
- Supports Milling and Turning: A 4 axis CNC machine makes it considerably easier to produce circular features. In contrast to three-axis equipment, a single machine may grind and turn pieces.
4 axis machines are more expensive than 3 axis ones. Adding a fourth axis to current equipment will also necessitate some expenditure. However, because of the efficiency and output capacity of 4 axis machining, it may be more cost-effective in the long term.
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