CNC (computer numerical control) Machining is a means to remove material using high-speed, precision machines that use a wide variety of cutting tools to create the final design. There are three main types of CNC machines: vertical milling machines, horizontal milling machines, and lathes. To successfully make a part on a CNC Machine, programs dictate tool movement. The programmed instructions given to the CNC machine are encoded using CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) software in conjunction with the CAD (computer-aided design) file uploaded to the Xometry quote page.
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A 5 axis machine has two more axes than the historically more common 3-axis machine. "5 axis" means that the cutting tool can access the part in 5 directions instead of 3, allowing for more movement and rotation. 5 axis platforms are achieved by adding tilt and rotation to either the workholding platform or the tool spindle itself. With a 5th axis, machinists can machine up to 5 faces in just one operation, making the process both highly precise and efficient. 5th axis machines are best used for parts that require complex movements, or where GD&T datums and features benefit from minimal setups. A majority of CNC parts require 5 faces to be machined, so this process is getting more common and more valuable with both domestic and overseas shops.
By now, youll likely be aware of how much we love CNC (computer numerical control) machines here at Xometry. Theyve made otherwise arduous manual manufacturing processes, like cutting, drilling, and turning, practically effortless via automation. With CNC machining, almost everything is computerized, so these processes are more accurate than manual methods, resulting in higher-quality parts. Most CNC machines are either 3- or 5-axis, and, in this article, well look at their differences and what theyre each good for.
A 3-axis CNC machine, such as a lathe, mill, or machine tool center, moves its tool (whether its a cutter, drill, or mill) along the X (left to right), Y (front to back), and Z (up and down) axes. More specifically, it can move either horizontally (X-Y axes) or vertically (Z axis) to control the cutting depth. This is what a 3-axis CNC machine looks like:
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This type of machine can cut and plane to specific depths, depending on the tool used and the material being worked on. Its limited range of motion and the fact that it cant automatically rotate the workpiece make it best for making simpler parts with straightforward shapes and designs and minimal details. These machines are best for making 2D and 2.5D parts and shorter production runs, and theyre reasonably priced, making them ideal for startups or small to medium-sized businesses.
As well as leftright, frontback, and updown, a 5-axis CNC machine has two more movements up its sleeve: it can also rotate its tool around the other two axes (A and B). You can see how the process works in the diagram below.
With a full five-axis range of motion, these machines can work at multiple angles to precisely make complex and intricate parts with smooth surfaces, angles, and contours. They can also perform continuous milling, which saves a lot of time, and dont need any manual intervention as they rotate the workpiece automatically. These high-tech CNC and milling machines or routers can make turbine blades, molds, and impellers, such as the one in the below image.
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