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CNC milling is undoubtedly a detailed process, using special machinery and processes to perform any design. Industrial products have increased more complex over time, and the manufacturing process develops with them.

Although 3 axis milling is widely used in the entire industry, operators have incorporated into the fourth axis to achieve complex design and production. This additional axis enables processing of the characteristics, rotation, and contours of the package in a variety of applications, and is compatible with various CNC mechanical devices to promote its multi-functionality. Let us further explore the advantages of 4 axis, especially in the grinder.

Introducing the Fourth Axis

Typical 3 axis include X, Y, and Z axes. The 4 axis depends on the machine configuration. For milling, it is usually a “C” axis, which rotates around Z., rotates the machine, usually “a” axis, which rotates around X. In any configuration, the fourth shaft is a rotating shaft means that it rotates around one of the shafts, increasing greater flexibility and control when manipulating the workpiece. Various tools can be connected to the fourth axis to extend the output function.

The 4 axis CNC helps manipulate and accurate milling tools. When machining, the 4 axis CNC is critical to the arc cutting characteristics, otherwise it is difficult to do this. This process is often referred to as continuous cutting. When automating this continuous processing process, the functional CAM software is required because it is more complicated. But what if we want to fix this ax?

Programming 4 axis

Software is often implemented due to complexity of continuous 4 axis operations to simplify the programming process. Although standard 2 and 3 axis strategies are used during indexing, these programmed solutions are not suitable for more complex 4 axis CNC operations. A simple way to achieve this is to convert 2D and 3D strategies to a cylinder package through 4 axis packaging software. Easy to start XYZ plane programming and convert it to accommodate the 4 axis CNC.

At the same time, the 4 axis CNC substantially requires a whole square CAM software. These programs exceed the G code packaging, allowing the fourth axis to rotate, while the other three axes are also moved. CAM software, such as Fusion 360, will enable the team to be able to package the tool path while 4 axis movement, or even a part of the tombstone.

The 4 axis CNC is a powerful supplement of any manufacturing settings. It brings more features to the table and enables complex workflows.