CNC machining is rapidly emerging as the leader in manufacturing highly custom parts with the help of computer-controlled machines. There is no single way of CNC fabrication which increases people’s curiosity about the different types of these production methods. Majorly there are three types of CNC machine fabrication, including 3, 4, and 5-axis CNC machines. All of them are used for manufacturing different types of products, and their working principles also differ a lot.
Working Principle of 3/4/5-Axis CNC Machining
3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis CNC machining are different methods of controlling the movement of cutting tools during the CNC machining process. Each method has its own unique benefits and limitations, depending on the specific application and requirements of the part being produced.
Let’s look at the working principle of all of them.
3-axis CNC machining:
The workpiece is fixed during 3-axis CNC machining, during which the cutting tool moves along the three axes of X, Y, and Z. This means that the devices cannot tilt or rotate in this method. This method is ideal for creating simple geometries and flat surfaces and is commonly used in milling and drilling operations.
4-axis CNC machining:
In 4-axis CNC machining, the cutting tool can move along the three axes (X, Y, Z) while the workpiece can be moved along one axis, commonly known as A-axis. This allows for more complex geometries to be created, such as curved surfaces and angled features. 4-axis machining is commonly used in applications where parts require rotational symmetry or where access to certain features requires a rotary motion.
5-axis CNC machining:
5-axis CNC machining is the most advanced method of controlling the movement of cutting tools during the machining process. In addition to the X, Y, and Z axes, the cutting tool can also tilt and rotate along two additional axes, typically the A-axis and C-axis. This allows for the creation of highly complex geometries with a high degree of precision and accuracy, such as turbine blades and complex medical implants.
Differences Between 3/4/5 axis CNC Machining
3, 4, and 5-axis CNC fabrication differ in the following ways:
Workpiece Complexity
As the number of axes increases in CNC fabrication, so does the complexity of the workpiece that can be produced.
3-axis CNC fabrication is the simplest form of CNC machining and is suitable for producing parts with simple geometries. It can create flat surfaces and straight features in three dimensions.
The 4-axis CNC machine allows for greater complexity in the geometry of the part, as it enables the cutting tool to rotate around a fourth axis while moving along the X, Y, and Z axes. This means that 4-axis machining can create curved surfaces, angled features, and threaded parts that cannot be achieved with 3-axis machining.
And 5-axis machining center provides the most advanced form of CNC fabrication and allows for the creation of extremely complex geometries with a high degree of precision and accuracy. These geometries include equipment in aerospace, medical, and automotive industries, like highly complex parts such as impellers, turbine blades, and medical implants.
Machining Speed
The machining speed in CNC manufacturing depends on several factors, including the number of axes and the complexity of the workpiece being produced. In general, 3-axis CNC machining tends to be faster than 4-axis and 5-axis machining because it involves less movement of the cutting tool. 4-axis CNC machining can be slightly slower than 3-axis machining, while 5-axis CNC machining is the most complex and typically the slowest of the three methods.
Cost
Usually, 3-axis CNC fabrication is the cheapest of all the other types due to the involvement of simple operations. Meanwhile, 4 and 5-axis CNC machining have relatively complex operations, which means that they are more expensive.
Programming
3-axis CNC machines are relatively straightforward to program, as they only require movement along three axes.
4-axis CNC machines require additional programming to incorporate the fourth axis of rotation.
5-axis CNC fabrication requires the most complex programming of the three methods. All of these machines are programmed with the G-code programming language.
Operator Requirement
3-axis CNC machines are the most common type of CNC machines and are relatively easy to operate. But 4 and 5-axis CNC fabrication requires more skilled labor who can oversee the whole production effectively.
HordRT’s 3/4/5 axis CNC Machining Service
HordRT is capable of 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis CNC machining due to its reliance on advanced machines. With their range of sophisticated machines, they are capable of producing parts with varying degrees of complexity and precision, and their skilled operators have the knowledge and expertise to program and operate these machines efficiently and effectively. Whether it’s simple or highly complex components, HordRT has the equipment and expertise to deliver high-quality results.
Why HordRT
With HordRT, you can use various CNC manufacturing services, including CNC machining services, CNC turning, and CNC milling, among others. They are capable of making custom designs due to the availability of the latest machinery in a cost-effective way.
HordRT provides instant quoting to your order within 24 hours, not to mention that they do not have any MOQ requirements. They are trusted with engineers from world-class global companies, including Zipline, Kinze, Entech, and others.
