Advantages & Characteristics Of 4-Axis CNC Machining – Convertional Vs 4 Axis CNC Machining

2022.9.29

At present, there are many methods and equipment used in machining center, among which CNC 4 axis machining center is a common machining method. Initially, 3-axis machining is generally used. 4 axis machining is better in terms of performance, function and adaptability. Today, we will follow CNCLATHING to understand the application performance and processing characteristics of the CNC 4-axis machining center and the differences between the 4-axis CNC machining center and the conventional CNC machining.

4-Aixs CNC Machining

Although CNC 4 axis machining is now very common in the industry, there is not much theoretical data in the development process, so we often encounter various problems in actual application, such as the problem of tools, which will also affect the efficiency of the overall equipment.

 

4 axis machining centers are mainly divided into two types: horizontal and vertical. The two types have their own characteristics. Generally, if the horizontal type is used, a B axis can be added to the Y axis. The programming method is similar to that of the 3 axis; It can rotate 4 sides to achieve the highest accuracy. Compared with three-axis machines, 4 axis machines are generally used for the needs that three-axis machine tools cannot process. For example, the depth and angle limits cannot process parts, common fan blades, worms and other products.

 

In fact, many CNC 4 axis machining centers evolved from CNC milling machines. The difference between them is whether they have the ability to automatically exchange machining tools. The former can well complete automatic exchange, with automatic tool change in one clamping, and complete multiple processing functions. In addition, the 4 axis machining center can also complete linkage control of more than 3 axes, which can better process equipment with complex surfaces.

 

To sum up, the 4 axis machining center is an efficient and high-precision CNC machine. It can complete multiple processes with only one clamping. It also has perfect tool function and automatic tool change function.

 

Difference Between 4-Axis CNC Machining Center and Conventional CNC Machining

Ordinary CNC machining requires only three XYZ axes. Machining centers that add one more rotation axis to the XYZ axis are called 4 axis CNC machining, and machining centers that add two rotation axes are called 5 axis CNC machining centers.


There are three different added rotation axes for CNC machining 4 axis machine, which are identified as A, B, and C. Axis A is the axis rotating around the X axis, and so on, axis B corresponds to axis Y, and axis C corresponds to axis Z. The three rotating axes of ABC are also called indexing heads. The CNC machining of 4 axis machine is to add an indexing head to the three-axis machining center. The details of which axis to add depend on the customer’s needs.


In the same way as the CNC processing of the 4 axis machine, the 5 axis machining center only selects two of the three ABC rotating axes, which can be AB, AC, and BC. Just because the five axis machining center has one more rotating axis than the four 4 axis machining center, the 4 axis machining center may not be able to process the workpieces that can be processed by the 5 axis CNC machining center, but the 5 axis machining center can process the workpieces that can be processed by the 4 axis CNC machining center.


The CNC machining of a 4 axis machine can process some complex curved surfaces through the completion linkage of a rotary axis and three XYZ linear axes. The 5 axis machining center has an indexing head more than the 4 axis machining center, so it can process more complex spatial curved surfaces through the completion linkage of two rotary axes and three XYZ linear axes.

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