What is 5-Axis CNC Machining?
A 5-axis CNC machining machine can use five different axes at the same time. Three linear axes and two rotary axes. Their capabilities are more diverse than typical 3-axis CNC machining machines. The 5-axis CNC machining machine is configured in such a way that it eliminates multiple setups, reducing the need for continuous monitoring, increasing efficiency and enabling single-setup or "all-in-one" machining.
What Can You Do With a 5-Axis CNC Machining Center?
A 5-axis CNC machining machine is a force multiplier for any machine shop. In the hands of a skilled operator, it can create complete parts without having to change any settings – essentially all at once – greatly reducing downtime. The following sections illustrate the main industries that use CNC machined components and how they benefit from 5-axis freedom of motion.
Aerospace industry
One of the main reasons why 5-axis CNC machining machines are ideal for the aerospace industry is the limited number of refixing required. Due to the complexity of typical aerospace components, a 3-axis or 4-axis CNC machine will require multiple re-fixing steps and reorientation to allow the cutting head to machine hard-to-reach areas.
Aerospace components also have an organic shape with compound curves, making them ideal for 5-axis machine tools. An example of a composite curve can be found in turbine blades, which are typically cast and machined by a 5-axis machining center to achieve the final desired shape and surface finish.
Automotive industry
The automotive industry is characterized by high production volumes and high demands for consistency. From the first to one thousandth, each component needs to be adapted to specific tolerances every time. Most components in the transportation industry are manufactured using low-cost, high-volume processes, such as stamping, injection molding, and casting. However, these inexpensive and fast technologies require advanced and high-precision tools, which are ideal applications for 5-axis machining.
Medical industry
Like the aerospace industry, the medical industry has extremely strict quality requirements. If there are harmful quality issues, certain medical components can have a direct and immediate impact on a person's health or survival rate.
Some medical components have an organic shape that is processed from exotic materials to be able to implant them into the patient. The 5-axis CNC machining controller can process both these types of materials and the organic shape of such implants. In addition to implants, other medical-related applications such as medical impellers and CT scanner components also require 5 axes.
Energy industry
In the energy industry, it is the backbone of all other industries. It is huge and contains many different technologies. From coal-fired power stations to concentrated solar power systems, and even more exotic technologies like fusion, there is a never-ending demand for advanced components that push the limits of engineering, materials science, and manufacturing.
Due to these intensive requirements, machining systems that can reliably produce advanced components are required, and this is where 5-axis machinery comes into play. An example of the type of complex components that have emerged in industry is the plasma-containing chamber in a stellarator fusion device. The shapes in this machine are so organic and complex that there is no other way to manufacture them than with a 5-axis machine.
Industrial sector
The industrial sector includes many other industries that were not mentioned earlier, such as consumer goods manufacturing, mining, construction, etc. Due to the large scope of the industrial sector, there are many complex components that need to be manufactured, and 5-axis machines are invaluable to them. General CNC machining machines occupy most of the work in the industry, with 5-axis CNC machining machines playing an auxiliary role in tool making, mold making, and professional applications.
With the advancement of machine learning and artificial intelligence technology, existing systems will be subject to more optimization and technology. Although advances in additive technology have made manufacturing more complex, the production process is still relatively slow. At least for now, nothing compares to the speed and flexibility of a 5-axis CNC machining solution.