The 5 axis linkage machining center is currently the best solution for solving complex parts such as aircraft turbine engine blades, automotive engine crankshafts, propeller blades, etc. It can be said that for parts that are difficult or impossible to machine with a three-axis machining center, a five axis linkage machining center can complete them better and faster. So, what are the differences between a five axis machining center and a three-axis machining center?
Always maintain the optimal cutting state. Due to the relatively fixed position of the spindle and worktable, the cutting state of the tool will gradually deteriorate when machining the edges of curved workpieces in a three-axis machining center, and the surface quality of the machined product will not be high; The five axis machining center can ensure that the cutting state between the tool and the workpiece is always in the optimal state through the angle rotation function of the rotating axis. For irregular workpieces, multiple rotations with one clamping can complete the machining. In addition, it can also avoid the situation where the center line velocity of the ball end milling cutter is 0, and achieve better surface quality.
Effectively avoiding tool interference with complex shaped parts such as propellers, turbine engine blades, and crankshafts. When using a three-axis machining center for machining, there will be a lot of interference from the tools, which will result in the inability to machine. The five axis linkage machining center can be achieved through rotation and can use tools with shorter tool holders for machining, thereby improving system rigidity and enhancing machining quality.
By reducing the number of clamping times, the five axis machining center can achieve one-time clamping and complete all machining tasks except for the installation bottom surface. Due to the reduction of benchmark conversion caused by clamping, the machining accuracy of the workpiece is more easily guaranteed. At the same time, due to the shortening of the process chain and the reduction in the number of equipment, the number of fixtures, workshop space, and equipment maintenance costs of the five axis machining center have also decreased.
In general, five axis machining centers have several times stronger machining capabilities than three-axis machining centers due to the linkage effect of two additional rotating axes, but their prices are also much higher. If it is not necessary for the process of the workpiece, for cost considerations, choosing a three-axis machining center is more cost-effective.
