Why Choose 4 Axis CNC Machining?

Hello, everyone. Last time, I briefly introduced 4 Axis CNC Machining to you. Today, I want to explain to you in detail why you chose 4 Axis CNC Machining. What are the advantages of 4 Axis CNC Machining? Let's go for it!

4 Axis CNC machining involves a total of four degrees of freedom. That means either the tool or the workpiece can be moved/rotated along four axes. So, the workability is apparently higher than 3 Axis CNC machining.

Having the 4th axis allows the manufacturing of more complex parts. It is also be used to increase the number of parts you can work with at a time. So, manufacturers highly prefer 4 Axis CNC machining as an economic method for increasing production capabilities.

4th Axis Components

1.Tombstone

This is something you won`t encounter in 3 axis CNC machining. The tombstone is an exclusive feature of four axis machining. It is a tower-like arrangement with several mounting points for the workpiece. This is comparable with the milling table that holds the workpiece.

But tombstones can be rotated with the 4th axis to give access to more surface area and of course more parts. This is usually seen in a horizontal CNC machine. However, tombstones can be seen in vertical CNC machines as well. But it only allows parts with less clearance.

2.Chucks
Chucks or Lathe Chucks are used to clamp the workpiece with the 4th axis when tombstones are not used. They are utilized when both milling and turning of a part is required. However, you can only work with one part at a time with this setup.

3.Vise

The vise works as a mounting surface for the workpiece. They are mainly used for vertical 4 axis CNC machining. Directly clamping a workpiece will only machining of the top surface. Vises give you access to a workpiece from three directions.

Vises can also be mounted on the tombstone surfaces as well. This will allow you to machine more parts in one go.

4 Axis CNC machining Working Principle

4 Axis CNC machining works almost similarly to 3 axis CNC machining, except that it includes an additional rotational axis for the workpiece. The cutting tool can move along the X, Y, and Z-axis just like how a 3 axis milling machine would perform.

An additional rotating mechanism is set up on the table which functions as the 4th axis. It is also called the A-Axis. Usually, a cylindrical workpiece is clamped into it and the workpiece is rotated to perform machining from different angles. So, the part can be machined without any setup change.

The 4 axis CNC machining process can be divided into the following steps.

• Programming
• Workholding
• Machining

Programming

4 axis CNC milling/turning machine programming can be done using a CAM program. It generates a suitable toolpath for the CNC machine. The machining sequence, rotation speed, tool selection, etc. can be defined in the CAM program.

Workholding

The workpiece is carefully clamped into the chuck of the 4th axis. Sometimes a tombstone is attached to the 4th axis which acts as a mounting surface for multiple parts. So, multiple machining tasks can be done at one go without having to go through the hassle of calibrating the workpiece every time.

Machining

4 axis CNC machines can perform both milling and turning operations. Simply replacing the milling tools with a lathe cutting tool will convert the CNC milling machine into a CNC turning machine. The CNC machine is operated by feeding the codes generated by the CAM program.

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