4 axis CNC milling machines can improve the machining efficiency of CNC machines, and they can do a lot of work that cannot be done with 3 axis CNC milling machines.
In fact, some people in 4 axis CNC milling machines also call them 4 axis machining centers
No matter how we call it, we have to understand the same kind of CNC machine. Today's guide we will take you to understand these CNC machines.
The reality is:
What is 4 axis CNC milling machine
In the previous blog, we introduced the 3 axis CNC milling machine. So what is a 4 axis CNC milling machine? What is the difference between them?
4 axis milling involves the same processes involved in 3 axis machining, where a cutting tool is used to remove material from a piece to create the desired shape and profile. However, in the case of 4 axis machining, milling is performed on an additional axis.
A 4 axis CNC machine operates on the X, Y and Z axes like a 3 axis machine, but it also includes rotation around the X axis, which is called the A axis. This is the 4th axis that’s added to our machining process. In most cases, the workpiece will be rotated to allow for cutting to occur around the B axis.
4 axis CNC milling machines are based on that make up the 3 axis range with the addition of a rotary table to enable 4 axis machining.
If you still don't understand, you can take a look at the demo video of 4 axis machining.
Use of 4 axis CNC milling machine
If you are a newcomer to CNC, then you must know what parts can be machined by 4 axis CNC milling machine.
On a 3 axis CNC milling machine we can for example mill slots, drill holes and face of the part, the cutter stays in a vertical direction. Now, if we add a fourth axis it usually rotates around the x axis (that's the left right direction) and therefore we can also make holes and slots in the front and back of our products.
4 axis CNC milling machines can process the following types of parts:
- Plane type part
- Variable beveled parts
- Curved surface parts
4 axis CNC milling machine with powerful features, it is suitable for applications in various industries, primarily for metal milling
4 axis CNC milling applications as follows:
- Electronics
- Medicine
- Security
- Commercial and building applications
- Automotive and transportation
- Recreation
- Industrial projects
4 axis CNC milling machine cost
How much does the cost of a 4 axis CNC milling machine increase over a 3 axis CNC milling machine? This is a problem that many people pay attention to.
In fact, the 4 axis CNC milling machine only costs one more CNC turntable than the 3 axis CNC milling machine, but the manufacturer and size of the turntable affect the cost of the 4 axis CNC milling machine.
In addition to the cost of the turntable, different CNC controllers may require a separate 4 axis function, which is at an additional cost, several types of CNC turntables are as follows:
- D.D.M. Rotary Table Series $4-10K
- Roller Gear CAM R.T. Series $4-15K
- Worm and Gear R.T. Series $4-15K
- CNC Index Table Hirth Coupling Series $6-15K
- Non- CNC Hydraulic Index Table Hirth Coupling Series $7-13K
It should be noted that the cost of a different series of rotary tables varies greatly. There are different sizes under each series. There are also cost differences between different sizes. The main factor affecting the cost of a 4 axis CNC milling machine is the rotary table.
How to choose 4 axis CNC milling machine
4 axis machining is very efficient, 4 axis CNC milling machine solves the problem that the 3 axis CNC milling machine can only process one surface, and it can complete the whole part without multiple clamping.
However, the 4 axis CNC milling machine is not a necessary choice. We have introduced above that the 4 axis CNC milling machine only adds a CNC rotating table to the T-groove of the 3 axis CNC milling machine. If you want to buy a 3 axis CNC milling machine first, it is also possible to add a CNC rotating table when needed.
How to choose the right CNC rotary table:
- First of all, we must choose the manufacturer of the CNC rotary table, which is mainly provided by CNC machine manufacturers.
- After confirming the CNC turntable manufacturer, we need to select the appropriate CNC turntable specifications according to our own parts requirements.
- Select servo motor torque and power
- Option: manual tailstock
- Option: pneumatic rotary tailstock
Whether you are an amateur, startup or large-scale company TAICNC can provide various types of 4 axis CNC milling machine solutions. 4 axis CNC milling machine also has some work cannot be completed then you may need a 5 axis CNC milling machine, please Continue to look down.