Metal Cutting

Five-Axis Machining Centers

OVERVIEW: Five-Axis Machining Centers do not just move in the linear axes X, Y and Z. Instead, these machines also move in two rotary axes, often identified as A and B. The rotary axes tilt the tool with respect to the part. Physically, it can be either the tool that tilts or the part that tilts. Different machines accomplish the rotary motion in different ways. Some machines move the rotary axes only to position the tool or work outside of the cut. This is referred to as 3+2 machining. Moving the tool in this way dramatically increases the machining center’s access to features at different angles or on different faces of the part. A machine capable of 3+2 machining often can reach all of the machined features of the part in a single setup. True five-axis machining refers to the ability to not just position the tool along the rotary axes, but also to feed the tool through the cut using these axes. Interpolated combinations of A-axis, B-axis and linear axis motions can allow the tool to smoothly follow a contoured surface. This type of machining has long been important in the aerospace industry, where machined parts follow the aerodynamic forms of aircraft.

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Video: Five-Axis Machining at Chicago Mold Engineering

Video of a Really Cool Bar (-Fed Machining Center)

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November 2011

Video: Five-Axis Machining at Chicago Mold Engineering

By:
This mold maker describes its use of both tilting-spindle and tilting-table five-axis machines....MORE

October 2006

An Overview Of 3 + 2 Machining

By: Modern Machine Shop
You don't have to use all five axes of a five-axis machine at the same time to get great benefits. Here's what 3 + 2 can do for you....MORE

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December 2011

Which Five-Axis Machine for Mold Makers?

By: Peter Zelinski
This Chicago-area mold shop compares tilting-spindle and tilting-table five-axis machines. ...MORE

November 2011

Video: Five-Axis Machining at Chicago Mold Engineering

By: Todd Schuett
This mold maker describes its use of both tilting-spindle and tilting-table five-axis machines. ...MORE

October 2011

Shop Leaders Share Thoughts on Five-Axis Machining

By: Peter Zelinski
Modern Machine Shop recently started a “Top Shops” discussion group on LinkedIn. The group is for owners, managers, engineers and other senior personnel in CNC machining facilities. A recent discussion thread from that group revealed various shops’ thoughts on five-axis machining. ...MORE

September 2011

Otherworldly Precision

By: Peter Zelinski
A contract shop produces critical parts for the Curiosity rover that will soon depart for Mars. ...MORE

September 2011

Cell Controller Boosts Production Flexibility

By: Modern Machine Shop
By serving as the “brains” of a cell consisting of two machining centers and a work delivery system, cell control software from Erowa helps this manufacturer run lights-out 24/7 and achieve 90-percent spindle utilization. ...MORE

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