In CNC machining, the number of axis directly determines the machining capacity and flexibility of the machine tool.
Three axis machine tool (X, Y, Z)
This is the most basic and common CNC machine tool. It can complete the movement of workpieces in the X, Y, and Z directions, and perform operations such as milling and drilling. Disadvantage: It is not possible to complete the machining of multiple sides and complex angles of parts in one clamping.
Four axis machine tool (X, Y, Z, A)
On the basis of the three-axis, an additional rotation axis has been added, usually the A-axis that rotates around the X-axis. This allows the workpiece to rotate, making it easier to machine the side of the cylinder or open holes on planes at different angles, greatly improving the continuity of machining.
Five axis machine tool (X, Y, Z, A, B/C)
Add another rotation axis (such as B-axis or C-axis) on the basis of the four axes. This means that the tool can approach the workpiece from any direction, achieving one-time clamping to complete the machining of complex surfaces such as impellers and molds. Its core advantages lie in:
High precision: Avoid errors caused by multiple clamping.
High efficiency: Shorten the processing flow and reduce auxiliary time.
High complexity: capable of manufacturing complex geometric shapes that three-axis and four axis machine tools cannot handle.
In summary, the transition from three-axis to five axis is a leap in machining capability from basic planes to complex spatial solid geometry, and is the key to achieving efficient and high-precision integrated manufacturing.
