4- and 5-Axis Milling

4- and 5-Axis Milling are advanced machining methods primarily used in the manufacturing industry to create complex parts. These methods rely on computer-controlled (CNC) milling machines that can move either the tool or the workpiece along multiple axes.

4-Axis Milling

In 4-axis milling, the workpiece is machined along four axes:

  • X-axis: left/right movement.
  • Y-axis: forward/backward movement.
  • Z-axis: up/down movement.
  • Rotation Axis (A-axis): rotates the workpiece around an axis, often the X-axis.

This additional rotation axis allows parts to be machined from multiple angles without needing to re-clamp the workpiece repeatedly.

5-Axis Milling

5-axis milling adds an additional rotation axis, allowing the workpiece to move along five axes:

  • X-axis
  • Y-axis
  • Z-axis
  • Rotation Axis (A-axis): usually rotates around the X-axis.
  • Rotation Axis (B- or C-axis): rotates around a second axis, typically the Y- or Z-axis.

This enables positioning of the tool at almost any angle on the workpiece, making it particularly useful for highly complex geometries, such as turbine blades or aircraft components. 5-axis milling provides even more flexibility and precision, often required in industries like aerospace, automotive and medical technology.

 

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