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3 axis CNC machining means a control system having three separate motion axes in a computer numerical control (CNC) machine tool. Usually, the three axes are the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis.
The X – axis shows horizontal left – right movement.
The Y – axis shows horizontal front – back movement. It is perpendicular to the X – axis.
The Z – axis shows vertical up – down movement. It is perpendicular to both the X – axis and the Y – axis.
These three axes move together. So, the tool can move along a complex path. It can accurately cut the material on the workpiece to make the needed shape and size. It is especially good for basic processing jobs like plane milling, drilling, boring, tapping, and roughing.
3 axis advantages
Low cost: The mechanical structure is simple. The control system is easier to understand and master. Also, the costs of equipment purchase, maintenance, and operation training are relatively low.
Efficiency: It works well when processing planes and simple 3D shapes. By designing and arranging multiple cnc machining parts for simultaneous processing, it can do large – scale production and processing tasks efficiently and steadily.
3 axis disadvantages
Low precision: When processing complex curved surfaces and parts with many processing surfaces in different directions, it needs to be clamped and adjusted many times. So, the processing efficiency is low, and it’s hard to ensure precision.
Limitations: For some cnc machining parts with special structures like deep cavities and narrow grooves, it’s hard or even impossible to process.
3 axis CNC is a very simple machine tool. It’s for simple flat parts. It’s easy to operate and fast. So, it won’t disappear just because 4 axis and 5 axis machine tools appear.
