3 Axis Vs. 5 Axis CNC Router, What Are The Differences?

We have got about 600 emails about the EagleTec 5 axis cnc router in the last several years. If you are willing to buy 5 axis cnc router of excellent quality, as a professional machinist, I suggest you chose a prominent and reliable factory that can provide you continuous support rather than chose a machine according to its price. It is crucial since you will use the equipment for many years. And a high-quality device with good service can save you much trouble in the production. Good machinery doesn't cost money; It makes money!

Inadequate quality equipment will have problems during the use process. We need to pay a lot of human resources, money, and time costs; also, your production has to be suspended due to that, which is not worth the loss.

There is a question that many customers ask when purchasing: 3 axis VS 5 axis cnc router, what are the differences in utilization? In this post, we'll take you through the whole thing about this topic. Enjoy!

5 Axis cnc machines have become more and more popular in recent years due to their high quality, precision, and efficiency. But before we talk about their differences, we need to recognize that what does 3 axis and 5 axis mean.

Typical 3-Axis CNC Router

3-axis machining is one of the most widely used techniques. It is a relatively simple process, which allows you to move a cutter head up and down on a flat surface (X / Y / Z). The 3 axis cnc router then proceeds to remove shavings in three basic directions corresponding to the axis of a flat surface. It is very suitable for parts that are not too deep, but this technique is remarkably limited when trying to handle a deeper part with narrow cavities. The work can then become very labor-intensive and renders a finish that is less than perfect.

As new needs emerge and new computer-aided manufacturing technologies (CAM) enter the marketplace, new machining technologies with 3+1 axis, 3+2 axis, then 5-axis have since been developed.

5 Axis CNC Router

5-axis cnc router allows cutting or milling on any of the five sides of an object (X/Y/Z/A/C).

In addition to automatic movements along the X, Y, and Z axes, 5 axis router can select two of the three rotational axes (A, B, C) to use. The A, B, and C axes perform rotation around the X, Y, and Z axes correspondingly. This type of machining is used in the automobile, aerospace, and boating industries. 5 axis machining requires more fantastic CNC programming preparation time to accommodate complex rotatory movement. Still, it allows one workpiece to be worked on all five sides during one operation.

3 Axis VS 5 Axis CNC Router

Now that the meaning is clear, let's dive into the difference between 5-axis and 3-axis cnc router.

● First, to machining the same object, the tool lengths required for the two machines are different.

For the 5 axis cnc router machine, the tool length needs to be short. On the contrary, the length for 3-axis machining is longer! Please refer to the diagram below.

● Second, the clamping requirements of the two are different. 

5 axis machining does not require repeated clamping; it can get 5 sides of the workpiece machined in one clamping.

Some places cannot be machined using the 3 axis. These places can only be processed by turning the workpiece and re-clamping, as shown in the following diagram. After the workpiece is clamped multiple times, the machining accuracy will inevitably be reduced.

● Third, the limitations of 3 axis cnc router are greater than those of the 5 axis router machine.

This is a cavity; the 3 axis cnc router cannot get it processed at all because the 3-axis system is not reachable to some places. But they can be machined for 5 axis to change the direction of the machining tools.

What Is The Benefit Of 5 Axis CNC Router?

In conclusion, 5 axis machining is beneficial when components require a great deal of intricacy and quick precision. This includes:

● Machining complex shapes

● Cutting intricate details

● Increased productivity

● Higher quality finishes

● Feature accuracy

I hope it helps! See you next time.

Original Post from EagleTec CNC

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