The CNC machining process of today started with the regular 3-axis configuration for their cutting tools. Years go by, and there are ways to add more and more axes to the CNC machining equipment for the purpose of improving the efficiency of the overall production process. Today, we know about the axis plural CNC machining configuration, which includes multiple axes of cutting tools embedded into the CNC equipment. Let’s discover the aspects of axis plural in CNC machining that you need to know.
The Differences between the Regular 3-Axis and Axis Plural CNC Machines
Axis plural CNC machines are the improved version of the regular and more simplified 3-axis regular CNC machines. Although the regular 3-axis CNC machines are still in use today, manufacturers often prefer to use the axis plural CNC version for various projects, including those with complex product requirements. Here are some important differences between the regular 3-axis and axis plural CNC machines:
The use of multiple axes for cutting
The primary difference between the axis plural and the regular 3-axis CNC equipment lies in the number of axes they use. The axis plural version of the CNC equipment will use 5 or more axes to complete each of their machining operations. These plural axis cutting tools are available to perform various types of cutting movements, depending on your machine configuration and project goal.
Installation complexity on the CNC machine
With the axis plural configuration, the installation of the cutting tools will become more complex for the CNC machining equipment. Meanwhile, the regular 3-axis configuration will be quite simple to install and use during the CNC machining process. However, the axis plural configuration of the CNC machine will offer a wider possibility for you to work on various material workpieces.
Different usage goals
The regular 3-axis CNC configuration will be suitable for general-purpose machining that doesn't require any complex machining operations. However, with the increasing complexity of part design and other requirements, the use of axis plural CNC machines is essential for the success of the production plan. So, for any production goal that requires complex specifications, the axis plural CNC will be used instead of the regular 3-axis model.
Advantages of Using Axis Plural or Multiple Axis in CNC Machining
There is a lot to be said about axis plural in CNC machining, such as how it can improve your production effectiveness and other benefits. Manufacturers are actively using the axis plural CNC machines today to help them increase their production volume and make it possible for them to prevent any delays in production. Here are the advantages of using axis plural or multiple axis in CNC machining services:
Faster and more efficient machining process
By using the axis plural configuration, you will be able to do much more complex machining processes with higher efficiency and speed. For your business, it means that you can produce more parts and components much quicker. Also, you can fulfill higher demands from your customers by producing high-volume parts and components within a tighter deadline.
Better surface finish for the part you are working on
When you are working with multiple axes CNC equipment, the normal outcome will be a better surface finish for each part you produce. The reason is that the axis plural configuration allows the machine to have detailed cutting work for the material workpiece as opposed to cutting it roughly. As such, a better surface finish for the machined part will be the common production result you get.
Suitable for complex design requirements
With today’s more complex technology, machined part requirements will also become more complex. To fulfill the more complex requirements of each part you produce, you will need a better CNC machine to handle that. The axis plural CNC machine will be the best option to help fulfill any complex part requirements, such as more detailed geometrical shapes.
Better life cycles for the cutting tools
With the axis plural setup for your CNC equipment, you will help lengthen the life cycle for each cutting tool you use. The reason is that the workload of each cutting tool will be reduced in each axis plural machining operation. With the reduced workload for each cutting tool, you will be more effective in your cutting operations while reducing the amount of wear and tear in each individual tool.
More detailed CNC machine configuration
With the regular 3-axis CNC machine, the movement of the cutting tool will be strictly limited. Moreover, the 3-axis CNC equipment will only be suitable for a simple machine configuration, whereas the axis plural CNC will be capable of more detailed configurations. You can add more complexity to the settings of the axis plural CNC equipment before commencing any production operation.
Less labor and manual work involved
Because of the multiple axes that the axis plural CNC machine has, the equipment will be capable of handling plenty of complicated machining procedures. All the configurations are available for you to meddle with before starting any CNC machining operation. So, the amount of machine work will be increased, whereas the amount of manual or labor work will be reduced when you use the axis plural CNC machine.
Steps on Performing CNC Machining Using Axis Plural
1. Prepare the design of the part or component you would like to produce using the axis plural CNC machine.
2. Prepare the material workpiece necessary for the completion of the production goal depending on your project requirements.
3. Configure the axis plural cutting tools of the CNC equipment based on the design blueprint you prepared earlier.
4. Run a test machining production to determine whether your configuration has been set to the correct order.
5. Adjust the axis plural CNC configuration when necessary, such as when you see any issues during the test production run.
6. Finally, run the real production machining process using the proper configuration for the axis plural CNC equipment.
Conclusion
Today's CNC machining production process requires axis plural to perform various complicated production works. Axis plural is the ideal setup configuration for CNC machines that are being used to produce parts and components in large volumes with complex geometrical designs and other additional requirements. The advantages of axis plural CNC make it more preferable than the regular 3-axis setup nowadays.
