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4 axis cnc machining has a CNC machine tool that moves at the same time in four different axes. Usually, there are three linear axes, X, Y, and Z, and another rotary axis, the A. The X, Y, and Z axes stand for left – right, forward – backward, and up – down movements in the horizontal and vertical directions. The A axis is a rotary axis that turns around the X axis. By the connection of these four axes, the 4 – axis machining center can cut and machine Multiple faces of a workpiece
Advantages of 4 axis cnc
Improve productivity: The 4 – axis CNC machine can do complex cutting movements automatically. For instance, when machining a part with many faces and complex shapes, 4 – axis machining can machine 3 faces in one clamping. But 3 – axis machining needs to be clamped and adjusted many times. So, it saves a lot of time. And productivity can be improved a lot.
Improvement of machining accuracy: 4 – axis CNC machine tools can position precisely and cut workpieces accurately by the connected control of four axes. So, machining accuracy is improved.
Expanding the machining range: With four axes, the tool can machine at more angles. By planning the tool path well and making the rotary axes move together, the surface roughness of the machined parts gets lower. When processing medical equipment parts, like the handle of surgical instruments, good surface quality is needed. The four – axis machining center can make the surface roughness of the machined part reach below Ra0.8μm. This meets the use and appearance requirements of medical equipment.
Mass production of complex parts: This is its biggest advantage. The four – axis can meet the need for processing complex parts and can also be designed to process multiple parts by layout.
Disadvantages of 4 axis cnc
Processing limitations: This is the biggest drawback of the four – axis. It can only process three surfaces (front, front and back) in one clamping. It can’t process the side. If you want to process the side, it needs to be clamped again.
Higher costs: First, buying a four – axis machine is expensive. And the daily equipment maintenance also costs a lot.
In conclusion, the 4 axis cnc mill can make up for the angles that the three – axis can’t process. It can also solve the mass – production problem that the five – axis can’t meet. It fills the gaps of the three – axis and five – axis. These are the significant advantages of the four – axis. In many CNC factories,4 axis cnc mill account for 60 – 80% of the total machines.
