Everything you need to know about 5-Axis machining
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    • Machining Overview5-sided vs. Simultaneous 5-axis There are pros and cons to both 5-sided machining and 5-axis machining. 5-sided (3+2) Simultaneous 5-axis (full 5-axis) Simple to program Cuts faster Fewer concerns about tool interference Excellent roughing strategy Better surface finish Longer tool life Allows tool to reach difficult places smoothly Impressive but slow – avoid if possible Basics of axis configuration http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAjuZnNKEnM To understand machine configurations, it’s important to understand the basic terminology of 5-axis machining centers. If you think in terms of a 3-axis machining center, it has an X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. With a 5-axis machining center, the additional rotary axes will rotate about two of those three primary axes. The axis that rotates about the X-axis is called the A-axis. The axis that rotates about the Y-axis is called the B-axis. The axis that rotates about or under the Z-axis is called the C-axis.
    • Machine ConfigurationsDedicated 5-axis machining centers There are three types of machine configurations for 5-axis machining. Integrated trunnion table Swivel head with rotary table Traveling column Why / a swivel head with rotary table 5-axis machining center BC rotation axes configuration Heavier Parts: Because the table is stationary, the swivel head/rotary table machines are used with heavier parts. Versatility. You can add a vise for greater versatility because of the large table size. Use the extra space to finish the sixth side of the part or do 3-axis work. Minimizes tool interference Because the swivel head tilts the tool, you don’t need to worry about tool interference with the machine’s spindle head. Better chip control With the swivel head/rotary table configuration, you can run the machine horizontally and gain better chip control. Geographical preference The swivel head/tilting rotary table configuration continues to be more popular Germany and throughout Europe than the United States and Canada. Why / integrated trunnion table 5-axis machining center AC rotation axes configuration Better undercut capability The trunnion rotates +/-110 degrees versus the +/-92 degree rotation on a swivel head/rotary table design. Larger work volume compared to swivel head rotary table 5-axis machine because you don’t have to…
    • Tilt Rotary TablesTilt-Rotary Tables For some shops, adding a tilting rotary table to their 3-axis machining center is an economical solution to achieve 5-axis capabilities. There are some limitations to consider. Because the tilting-rotary tables are quite large, they monopolize most of the 3-axis machining center’s work envelope. The relatively small work surface means it should only be used for small parts (12 inches or less) and should not be used for heavy cutting operations. Additionally, you need to make sure the control of your 3-axis VMC is 5-axis capable.
  • Programming
    • Programming Overview
    • 5-Sided5-sided programming. Do you need a CAM system? For 5-sided machining, there are controls that allow machinists to program a 5-sided part without the need to buy a CAM system. This is an important consideration when a shop is considers purchasing a 5-axis machining center to do 5-sided machining. Hurco is one of a handful of controls that lets you program a part for 5-sided machining without a CAM system. As the inventors of conversational, Hurco continually leads the industry in creating a user-friendly programming method that is intuitive and decreases setup time. Read about the history of conversational programming. While you research other 5-axis machines, the following description of control software features will provide a baseline approach so you can compare capabilities from one control to the next. SUMMARY / Benefits of conversational programming for 5-sided machining No CAM system needed if you purchase a machine with the right control. Program the part at the control. Software that makes 5-sided programming fast and efficient Tool Center Point Management eliminates the need to account for the machining center’s centerlines of rotation. Instead, you simply program from part zero. Tool Center Point Management allows you to position the part anywhere on…
    • Simultaneous 5-axisControl software features for simultaneous 5-axis programming For simultaneous 5-axis programming, you can’t use conversational programming. You will need to use NC and purchase a CAM system. However, the features of your machine’s control are important to consider. Tool Path Linearization eliminates gouging of the workpiece and the line segments in the form of XYZBC or AC moves that a CAM system uses to create a smooth part. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oE8KpB8i1FA Benefits Improved surface finish, smaller NC programs How it works The tool tip and tool vector are interpolated between tool positions with respect to the workpiece, even with the tool and part rotating inside the machine. The tool tip basically attaches itself to the workpiece instead of blindly following the rotations commanded. Tool Vector Input allows the control to compute machine angles and positions, and calculates the angle the tool is going to tilt from the contact point of the surface. Tool Vector Input makes part program is machine independent, which means  you can use the same part program on machines with different axis configurations. (link to Basics of Machine Axis configuration) Benefits Scheduling flexibility (the program can run on another 5-axis machine with a different axis configuration) Simplifies post processor The control…
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5-Axis Blog

5-axis CNC - Reasons Why Hurco
5-Axis Blog

7 Reasons You Should Consider a 5-Axis CNC

Who doesn’t love top 10 lists…or in this case, top 7 lists. They are easy to read, to the point, and hit the main ideas. This Top 7 List from Read more…

By Maggie, 9 yearsOctober 25, 2013 ago
CNC Tool Vector
5-Axis Blog

5-Axis Programming: Tool Vectors or ABC Rotary Axis Angles?

5-Axis Blog Post Machinist Michael Cope writes about the advantages of programming with IJK tool vectors instead of  ABC rotary axis angles in his latest post. See if you agree. Read more…

By Maggie, 10 yearsJune 24, 2013 ago
5-axis rotary tilt - hurco
5-Axis Blog

Choose Your Weapon Wisely: which 5-axis strategy is best for you?

Machinist blogger for Hurco, Mike Cope, discusses 5-axis strategy. “Curve multi-axis, swarf cut, flow line, multi-surf, port, rotary…which toolpath is the correct one?” Cope explains that you would get 10 Read more…

By Maggie, 10 yearsMarch 25, 2013 ago
5-Axis CNC Technical Paper
5-Axis Blog

Why You Should Make the Switch to 5-Sided Machining

I assume (flashback to 6th grade with Ms. Lumbatis…to ASSUME makes an ASS out of You and ME…I can hear the collective gasp emanating from the class of 12 years Read more…

By Maggie, 10 yearsMarch 11, 2013 ago
5-Axis CNC Worksheet
5-Axis Blog

Show “You” the Money: 5-Axis ROI Worksheet

Hurco put together an interactive worksheet so you can evaluate how quickly a 5-axis machining center would pay for itself (i.e., switching from 3-axis to 5-sided machining process on a Read more…

By Maggie, 10 yearsMarch 6, 2013 ago
5 axis cnc mill control - hurco
5-Axis Blog

Machinist’s Blog Simplifies 5-Axis

Senior Applications Engineer for Hurco, machinist, and former shop owner, Michael Cope hosts a blog on hurco.com. His latest post “5-Axis…it just ain’t that scary” contains valuable information for experienced Read more…

By Maggie, 10 yearsFebruary 26, 2013 ago
5-Axis Accuracy
5-Axis Blog

5-Axis Accuracy

Mike Cope, a Senior Applications Engineer and Product Specialist, explains the mystery surrounding 5-axis accuracy; as it applies to the workpiece itself, and how the overall positioning of the rotary Read more…

By Maggie, 10 yearsFebruary 5, 2013 ago
5-Axis CNC Workholding
5-Axis Blog

5-Axis Workholding

Selecting the best configuration for clamping and locating the workpiece can be challenging when it comes to 5-axis workholding setups because you have to consider tool interference and collision avoidance. Applications Read more…

By Maggie, 10 yearsJanuary 21, 2013 ago
Purdue University Logo
5-Axis Blog

Purdue University Calls On Hurco for 5-Axis Expertise

When Purdue University needed an expert on 5-axis machining, they called Hurco. Senior Applications Engineer Michael Cope explained the basics and the benfits of 5-Axis machining to Purdue students last Read more…

By Maggie, 10 yearsOctober 5, 2012 ago
5-Axis Blog

Air Force Selects 5-Axis Hurco VMX60SR

The brass at the Air Force Institute of Technology, located at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, showed off their newest acquisition of high-tech equipment. Students will use the Hurco 5-axis Read more…

By Maggie, 11 yearsJune 28, 2012 ago

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