Computerized numerical control (CNC) is a manufacturing process that utilizes pre-programmed software to control the movement of production equipment. From the medical field to the aerospace industry, many different industries use CNC software and related machinery to accurately and efficiently create vital components.
As technology advances, CNC systems and the machines they control also advance to meet clients’ needs. One of the latest advancements in the CNC industry is multi-axis machining. As the name implies, multi-axis machining involves tools that can perform work along three or more axes of movement. Continue reading to learn more about this technology and how CNC manufacturing specialists use it.
Understanding 9-axis machine centers
There are several types of multi-axis machining centers. The most common ones are 3-, 4-, 5- or 9-axis machining centers. The 9-axis machines have three sets of axes and are the latest and greatest in the industry. Here’s how they operate:
- Set one: The first set of axes is the X, Y and Z linear axes. The Z axis is aligned with the machine’s spindle, while the X and Y axes are parallel to the table’s surface.
- Set two: The A, B and C rotary axes are the second set of axes and rotate around the X, Y and Z axes, respectively. The A, B and C axes allow the spindle to be oriented at different angles and in different positions. This enables tools to create more features and decrease the number of tool changes required for machining.
- Set three: The final set of axes is the U, V and W axes. They are parallel to the X, Y and Z axes, respectively. Although they’re parallel to the first set of axes, U, V and W are managed by separate commands, enabling machinists to adjust the machined diameter automatically during the process.
The benefits of multi-axis machining
Although multi-axis CNC systems aren’t exactly cheap to install or maintain, they also have a number of advantages over older technology.
First off, these machines reduce the amount of manual labor machinists must perform to accomplish a machining job. Because multi-axis machining centers can tackle several cuts in a single setup, machining companies save tons of time and costs.
By reducing the number of manual adjustments that need to be made during machining, multi-axis machines also help ensure greater accuracy and consistency during each job.
The advanced technology employed by multi-axis machines also allows technicians to create highly complex parts that a single-axis unit would not be able to machine.
Choose us as your CNC manufacturing partner
If you’re in need of a new CNC machining team, look no further than Evden Enterprises. We only use the most advanced 5- and 9-axis machining tools to manufacture high-quality parts in a fraction of the time it might have typically taken in the past using outdated technology. Additionally, we offer competitive rates for all of our services.
Give us a call today to get a quote for your next project or to learn more about our CNC systems and equipment.