5-Axis
CNC Machining
ANDREW NITCHMAN, BEAU TAYLOR
5-Axis Terminology
Milling Machine- A machine which uses a rotating cutter to remove material while
making passes along a workpiece.
CNC- Computer Numerical Control
Machining Center- A Milling Machine that runs off CNC Code.
XYZ Axes- The Standard Axes in Milling Machines and 3D Printers. X and Y axes are
horizontal while Z-axis is vertical.
Trunnion- A component of 5-Axis Machining Centers. A trunnion contains 2 rotational
axes. These are used along with the XYZ axes.
Additive Manufacturing- Also known as 3D Printing. The process of creating an object
by building layer upon layer of material.
Subtractive Manufacturing- The process of creating an object by cutting material away
from a solid piece of stock.
WHAT IS 5-AXIS CNC
MACHINING?
5-Axis CNC Machining is a machining process in which the
tool or part can move in 5 different axes simultaneously.
5-Axis Machining utilizes two of three rotational axes in
addition to the standard XYZ axes. These rotational axes are
A-axis (rotating about X-Axis), B-axis (rotating about Y-
Axis), and C-axis (rotating about the Z-axis).
5-Axis Machining can be broken down into 2 categories: 5-
Sided (3+2) and Simultaneous 5-Axis (True 5-Axis)
5-AXIS MACHINING PROCESSES
5-Sided Machining Simultaneous 5-Axis
5-Sided Machining is used for positional multi-axis Simultaneous 5-Axis Machining is a continuous
milling. The rotary axis positions the workpiece toolpath using all 5-Axes at once. During
into the proper orientation, then a 3-Axis operation simultaneous 5-Axis, the cutting tool tip is almost
is performed. always perpendicular to the part.
Simple to program Better surface finish
Cuts faster Longer tool life
Fewer concerns about tool interference Allows the cutting tool to reach difficult places
smoothly.
Excellent roughing strategy
Operations can be done quicker than 5-Sided
Machining. Since 5-Sided Machining requires
the rotation of axes without cutting taking
place.
TYPES OF 5-AXIS
MACHINING CENTERS
5-Axis Machining Center 3-Axis Machining Center
Utilizes B/C Axes Integrated 5-Axis Trunnion
Utilizes A/B Axes
5-AXIS PROS AND CONS
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
5-Axis enables the machinability of complex 5-Axis Machining Centers come at a much
parts of a variety of shapes and sizes. higher price than traditional 3-Axis Machines.
5-Axis operations require fewer setups than 5-Axis setup is generally much longer. The
traditional 3-Axis. Some 5-Axis operations can machinist must account for more variables
result in a complete part with 1 setup. including specialized fixtures, tooling and tool-
clearance.
5-Axis has the advantage of fewer setups
which reduces the chance of operator error. Programming 5-Axis parts generally takes
more time since they're complex and present
5-Axis enables tilting of the tool/table to
variables not present in 3-Axis Machining.
maintain optimum cutting position and chip
This also requires a skilled programmer.
load, resulting in improved tool life and cycle
time. 5-Axis CAM software is much more
expensive.
5-Axis Video
In order to grasp the capabilities
of 5-Axis Machining, you must
see it with your own eyes.
This short video demonstrates
both 5-sided and simultaneous 5-
Axis machining operations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch
?v=bo8JjVCHQjE
THE FUTURE
OF 5-AXIS
Today, at least 60 percent of parts
produced in machine shops require
five-sided machining. Technological
advancements mean the demand will
only continue to grow.
Additive Machining Centers are in
development. These combine both
additive (3D Printing) and subtractive
(Machining) manufacturing into 1
machine.
This MAZAK utilizes both Additive and Subtractive Manufacturing.
References
https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/hsm/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloud
help/2019/ENU/Inventor-HSM/files/GUID-1D228659-FDD0-4C72-BBD6-58A8
75ACC742-htm.html
https://www.5-axis.org
https://www.engineering.com/AdvancedManufacturing/ArticleID/11930/The-Wha
t-Why-and-How-of-5-Axis-CNC-Machining.aspx
https://www.haascnc.com
Conclusion
5-Axis machining provides many advantages in the world of machining and
manufacturing. It increases productivity, requires fewer setups, improves cutting-
tool life, decreases cycle time, and provides the ability to machine complex parts.
With technology advancing and parts becoming more complex, 5-Axis Machining
is becoming a standard in machine shops.
