From aerospace to automotive, 5 axis machine centers are revolutionizing any industry that uses complex parts. Even medical and gas companies have started using these types of centers versus 3 axis or mold and casting centers. Often you save a lot of time working with these places.
So you might be wondering exactly what is it that 5 axis machining does to make such claims? Well the name does say it all. With five different axes working on the same project in one space you’re able to do incredible things. Let’s take a look at the three main areas of benefit.
1) 5 Axis Machining Helps Reduce Your Production Time
By far this is the most interesting role the 5 axis centers play, as it saves you money! Since there are five different areas tools can be attached to, the machine is able to work on five sides of the material. 5 axis machines can manage steel, copper, and other metal types, and can even do plastics.
With five tools positioned and ready these machines work with a computer numerical control program to precisely drill or cut out the part. There’s no need to reposition or swap tools, allowing for a constant tool vector that’s capable of creating complex prismatic parts.
2) These Machines are Able to Make Complex Shapes and Geometries
As stated above, you have five different axes to work with, each sporting an efficient tool to get the job done. Because these machines have multiple working points, there’s the ability to use shorter, more intricate tools. Seeing these machines working in action is smooth and efficient.
Having such a large range in motion, 5 axis machining has the ability to create extremely complex 3-D geometries and shapes. It can contour from many different angles which also provides an extremely smooth finish. There also tends to be a reduction in material waste as the capability of creating these intricate designs uses smaller blocks and less parts.
3) Inaccuracies on Dimensions are Greatly Reduced with 5 Axis
When a production team member has to dismount a part, and then remount from a different spot so it can be finished, there’s a lot of room for slight errors. When you’re making parts that need to go in space, it’s pretty important the parts have their dimensions correct. 5 axes removes the human error and allows the computer to run the whole show.
Most centers using 5 axis machines and technology are able to have a dimensional tolerance of +/- 0.005 to 0.001. That’s insanely accurate and exactly what some industries need.
Precision Parts at a Fraction of the Time
Now as you can see, 5 axis machining is really the future for any industry needing complex prismatic parts. You get a reduction in production time so your parts make it out faster. Plus, you know the parts will be extremely accurate dimension wise since they don’t have to be continually repositioned. Truly there’s nothing but wins when you go with a 5 axis machine center.
