For example, it’s ideal for drilling on the side of parts or on cylindrical surfaces – something that isn’t capable with a 3-axis CNC mill.
Continuous - Continuous 4 axis CNC machines are more efficient as they can cut and rotate simultaneously, allowing complex parts like the profile of cam lobes and helixes to be machined.Ĥ axis machining offers much greater flexibility than 3 axes. Index - In index machines, the rotation and cutting are done independently the workpiece is rotated until in the correct precision and then cutting resumes. There are two types of 4 axes CNC machines: In a single fixture setup, a 4 axis CNC router can work on four sides of a workpiece. This means that the spindle rotates about the Z-axis, while the workpiece is mounted in the X-axis and can therefore rotate in fixture with the A-axis. This means the machine can act as a milling machine as well as a CNC lathe.Ī 4-axis CNC can be arranged in different ways, but they are most commonly set up for vertical machining. In 4 axis CNC router machining, the workpiece is also usually rotated. Here are some popular 3 axis CNC routers and mills:Ī 4 axis CNC machine features the same three axes as on 3 axis machines, but it also has rotation around the X-axis. There are many desktop 3 axis machines easily available to buy on Amazon for a few hundred dollars. While there are industrial 3 axis machines that cost thousands, this type is also the cheapest and most accessible. So with a 3 axis machine you can create 2D mechanical parts, but you can’t create 3D objects. A 3 axis CNC milling machine is better suited to the manufacturing of planar milled profiles, drilling and threaded holes. However, complex and practical shapes can still be made with a 3 axis CNC mill, although it’s not well suited for parts that require a lot of depth and detailing. 3 axis CNC machining can be used for automatic/interactive operation, drilling holes, cutting sharp edges, and milling slots, and is widely used in the production of mechanical parts.Īs 3 axis machines can only move up and down and side to side, the products you can make with them are somewhat limited compared to other machines. The workpiece is held flat while the axes move along and cut or mill. It is possible to machine all six sides of a part with a 3 axis CNC machine, but it requires a new fixturing set-up for each side, which is expensive and time consuming. These CNC machines are mostly used for cutting flat 2D and 2.5D parts. A 3 axis CNC machine can work on each axis at the same time. The X-axis moves left to right, the Y-axis moves from front to back, and the Z-axis moves up and down. In a 3 axis CNC machine, the three axes are the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis. 
This technique developed from the process of rotary filling, which uses just the X and Y-axis. 3 Axis CNC Machinesģ axis CNC machines are the most basic out of the three we’re looking at. Let’s start by looking at each option in turn, and then we can compare their use cases side-by-side. Suitable for complex machining and can produce detailed parts. 5 axis: Most precise, but most expensive.3 axis: Most cost-effective for hobbyists.In this guide, I’ll explain all the differences between 3, 4, and 5 axis CNC machines so you can easily find the right CNC router for you. The decision will tend to be based upon a compromise between the level of detail you’re trying to achieve and the budget you have available.
When it comes to buying a CNC machine, the first and perhaps most important consideration is whether you need a 3 axis CNC router, a 4 axis CNC router, or a 5 axis CNC router?
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