5 axis machining center manufacturers

WHAT IS CNC 5 axis gantry type machining center?

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines are automated milling devices that can manufacture industrial components without direct human assistance. They use coded instructions that are sent to an internal computer, which allows factories to fabricate parts accurately and quickly. There are many different types of CNC machines, ranging from drills to plasma cutters, so they can be used to make a wide variety of parts. The most common CNC machines are milling machines, lathes, and grinders. Milling machines automatically cut materials, including metal, using a cutting spindle, which can move to different positions and depths as directed by the computer instructions.

WHY 5 axis gantry type machining center?

Advantages of CNC 5 axis gantry type machining center

CNC Machines have the following advantages –

• CNC machines can be used continuously 24×7 throughout the year and only need to be switched off for occasional maintenance.
• CNC machines are programmed with a design that can then be manufactured hundreds or even thousands of times. Each manufactured product will be exactly the same.
• Less skilled/trained people can operate CNC machines unlike manual lathes/milling machines etc. which need skilled engineers.
• CNC machines can be updated by improving the software used to drive the machines
• Training for the correct use of CNC machines is available through the use of ‘virtual software’. This software is like a computer game that allows the operator to practice using the CNC machine on the screen of a computer.
• Modern design software allows the designer to simulate the manufacture of his/her idea. There is no need to make a prototype or a model. This saves time and money.
• One person can supervise many CNC machines as once they are programmed they can usually be left to work by themselves. Only the cutting tools need replacement occasionally.

CNC Machine Disadvantages

• CNC machines are more expensive than manually operated machines, although costs are slowly coming down.
• The CNC machine operator only needs basic training and skills, enough to supervise several machines. In years gone by, engineers needed years of training to operate center lathes, milling machines and other manually operated machines. This means many of the old skills are being lost.
• Fewer workers are required to operate CNC machines compared to manually operated machines. Investment in CNC machines can lead to unemployment.
• Many countries no longer teach pupils/students how to use manually operated lathes/milling machines etc… Pupils/students no longer develop the detailed skills required by engineers of the past. These include mathematical and engineering skills.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF CNC MACHINING CENTERS 

For a layman to understand which type of machining center is available to choose from, we can say that there are primarily three types-

• 3 Axis – one can process a profile from TOP, FRONT and BACK – X, Y and Z axis
• 4 Axis – one can process a profile from TOP, FRONT, BACK and any angle from FRONT to BACK – X, Y, Z and A-axis
• 5 Axis means one can process a profile from TOP, FRONT, BACK, any angle from FRONT to BACK and LEFT to RIGHT – X, Y, Z, A, and C axis. In addition, a 5 Axis machine can do cutting, notching and process from the bottom of the profile too.

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