The CNC router, also known as the CNC milling machine, is a computerized CNC machine that can cut various materials using 3D cutting CAD/CAM software.
CAD/CAM converts your design into a toolpath so that your machine can create 3D shapes.
It can cut various types of materials such as wood, foam, plastic and metal.
When talking about the axis of the router, we are referring to the movement of the machine it rotates on, like an imaginary line used to measure the coordinates that the router will cut.
It can rotate X, Y, and Z, which means the machine can move horizontally from right to left (the X)
Before and after the level (the Y)
Vertical Up and down (the Z)
And around itself.
There is also an X for working toolsY-Z motion.
In addition to that, add the rotation motion in other directions and you have a 4 or 5-
Shaft machines or more.
In a nutshell, a 3-
The shaft router consists of moving the tool in 3 different directions so that it is suitable for parts and prototypes that are not very deep.
4 also increased rotational motion, 5 involving simultaneous movement of the cutter along 5 different lines. There is a concept that more complex cutting can only be done with 5 axis or more axis machines, but is that a misconception?
We should be able to do almost any cutting or even more complex shapes using the 3 router.
However, 5 has the ability to process all five sides of the workpiece at the same time, thus contributing to the flexibility and ability of the machine operator and shortening the processing time.
For example, trying to process game dice, if using a 3 router, the machine can only cut one side of the dice in one operation.
The operator then has to turn the dice to process the other side and perform the new settings-
Up, sometimes the tool bit needs to be changed.
With 5, the machine can cut all 5 sides of the dice at once, and for the sixth face, just turn the dice again.
Extra 2 and larger x on 5-
The axis CNC router can shorten the project time and be able to handle larger parts, but at the same time, long x will lead to lower stability and accuracy, requiring the full attention of operators.
Therefore, on the one hand, we have machines that can create certain more complex shapes faster, so it may be more effective, but at the same time, the operation and maintenance costs of these machines are lower and more complicated.
So, how many axes do we need a CNC router?
Preference depends on the specific manufacturing application required and the final result required.
Here are some examples of which 5-
The axis router can be in 3 or 4-
Shaft: If you need a larger cutting speed, you have an unusual piece of ordinary shape to make (A 5-
Axis you can perform cutting in one collection-
Instead of having to stop and start the tool several times with 3-
Axis, rotate the shape to process it on all sides)
If you want to save in the workspace (One single 5-
Shaft machine can change a few 3-
Shaft machine running at the same time)
Sometimes there will be 5-
Axis CNC router is not enough, instead you need a 3-
Printer or both. Sometimes, a 3-
D printers are easier to use and less restrictive when producing shapes, but it is less accurate than the router and limited to the materials it can use, mainly confined to thermoplastic plastics and resins.
The bottom line is, 3-axis and 5-
However, you might consider 5-if the speed is the main-axis.
Keep in mind that the latest requires more difficult operations, resulting in more wear and tear, and higher costs.