What is a 5-axis CNC router?

5-axis CNC router, also known as 5-axis CNC machining center or 5-axis CNC milling machine, is a highly precise and technologically advanced CNC machine tool. Here is a detailed introduction to the 5-axis CNC router:

1、 Definition and Structure

Definition: 5-axis CNC router is a CNC machine tool that can simultaneously control five coordinate axes (three linear coordinate axes X, Y, Z and two rotational coordinate axes A, B or C) for coordinated machining.

Structure: The machine tool includes three linear coordinate axes X, Y, and Z, as well as two rotational coordinate axes. The X axis, Y axis, and Z axis represent the movement of the workpiece in the front back, left and right, and up and down directions, respectively, and are used to control the position of the workpiece in the plane and three-dimensional space. The A-axis and C-axis (or B-axis) are used to control the rotation of the workpiece. The A-axis rotates around the X-axis, the C-axis rotates around the Z-axis (and the B-axis rotates around the Y-axis), allowing for rotational machining in different directions.

2、 Working principle

Linkage control: The core of a five axis machining center is the ability to achieve linkage control of five axes. This multi axis linkage capability enables the five axis machining center to perform all-round machining of workpieces in three-dimensional space, greatly improving the accuracy and efficiency of machining.

Control core: The control core of a five axis machining center is the computer numerical control (CNC) system. The CNC system controls the coordinated motion of five axes through programming, and each axis's motion is independent. However, through the control of the CNC system, these axes can achieve precise synchronization and coordination to complete the machining of complex surfaces and irregular shapes.

Tool path planning: Tool path planning is an important task in five axis machining, which requires the use of computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software to complete. CAM software can generate the optimal tool path, taking into account the length, diameter, cutting parameters of the tool, as well as the shape and material characteristics of the workpiece, to ensure machining efficiency and quality.

RTCP function: RTCP (Rotating Tool Axis Center Control) is a 3D tool length compensation function provided by modern five axis machine tool systems based on the variation of the rotating axis. In five axis linkage machining, due to rotational motion, the tool tip point will generate additional motion, resulting in the CNC system control point not coinciding with the tool tip point. The RTCP function is designed to solve this problem, ensuring that the cutting edge can move along the predetermined trajectory according to instructions.

3、 Characteristics and advantages

High efficiency: Five axis linkage machining can reduce the number of clamping times for workpieces, and even achieve complete machining with one clamping, greatly shortening the machining cycle.

High precision: Five axis machining centers can handle complex geometric shapes such as surfaces, slopes, grooves, etc., and provide high-precision machining results.

High flexibility: Five axis machining centers can easily handle various complex designs and undercutting, suitable for a variety of materials and workpiece shapes.

Reduce scrap rate: Higher processing accuracy means fewer processing errors, thereby reducing scrap rate and saving raw material costs.

Reduce labor costs: The high degree of automation reduces reliance on skilled operators and also reduces errors in manual operations, further improving production efficiency.

4、 Application Fields

5-axis CNC routers are widely used in many industries and fields due to their high flexibility and machining accuracy, including but not limited to:

Aerospace: Manufacturing complex shaped components such as turbine blades, aerodynamic parts, and structures.

Automobile manufacturing: effectively manufacturing various complex and delicate parts, such as engine components, steering systems, and braking systems.

Mold manufacturing: Manufacturing molds for injection molding, casting, and stamping processes, which typically involve complex shapes and high precision.

Medical device manufacturing: Manufacturing complex and intricate components such as artificial joints and dental implants.

Art and decoration production: meet the needs of complex geometric shapes and fine processing.

In summary, 5-axis CNC router is an indispensable tool in modern manufacturing industry, playing an important role in multiple fields due to its high precision, high efficiency, and high flexibility.