However, the features of your machine’s control are important to consider. You will need to use NC and purchase a CAM system.
#MASTERCAM X5 MACHINING PROFILE SOFTWARE#
Simultaneous 5-axis Control software features for simultaneous 5-axis programming For simultaneous 5-axis programming, you can’t use conversational programming.Tool Center Point Management allows you to position the part anywhere on… Instead, you simply program from part zero. Software that makes 5-sided programming fast and efficient Tool Center Point Management eliminates the need to account for the machining center’s centerlines of rotation. SUMMARY / Benefits of conversational programming for 5-sided machining No CAM system needed if you purchase a machine with the right control. While you research other 5-axis machines, the following description of control software features will provide a baseline approach so you can compare capabilities from one control to the next. Read about the history of conversational programming. As the inventors of conversational, Hurco continually leads the industry in creating a user-friendly programming method that is intuitive and decreases setup time. Hurco is one of a handful of controls that lets you program a part for 5-sided machining without a CAM system. This is an important consideration when a shop is considers purchasing a 5-axis machining center to do 5-sided machining. Do you need a CAM system? For 5-sided machining, there are controls that allow machinists to program a 5-sided part without the need to buy a CAM system. Additionally, you need to make sure the control of your 3-axis VMC is 5-axis capable. The relatively small work surface means it should only be used for small parts (12 inches or less) and should not be used for heavy cutting operations. Because the tilting-rotary tables are quite large, they monopolize most of the 3-axis machining center’s work envelope. Tilt Rotary Tables Tilt-Rotary Tables For some shops, adding a tilting rotary table to their 3-axis machining center is an economical solution to achieve 5-axis capabilities.Larger work volume compared to swivel head rotary table 5-axis machine because you don’t have to… Why / integrated trunnion table 5-axis machining center AC rotation axes configuration Better undercut capability The trunnion rotates +/-110 degrees versus the +/-92 degree rotation on a swivel head/rotary table design. Geographical preference The swivel head/tilting rotary table configuration continues to be more popular Germany and throughout Europe than the United States and Canada. Better chip control With the swivel head/rotary table configuration, you can run the machine horizontally and gain better chip control. Minimizes tool interference Because the swivel head tilts the tool, you don’t need to worry about tool interference with the machine’s spindle head. Use the extra space to finish the sixth side of the part or do 3-axis work. You can add a vise for greater versatility because of the large table size. Integrated trunnion table Swivel head with rotary table Traveling column Why / a swivel head with rotary table 5-axis machining center BC rotation axes configuration Heavier Parts: Because the table is stationary, the swivel head/rotary table machines are used with heavier parts. Machine Configurations Dedicated 5-axis machining centers There are three types of machine configurations for 5-axis machining.
The axis that rotates about or under the Z-axis is called the C-axis. The axis that rotates about the Y-axis is called the B-axis. The axis that rotates about the X-axis is called the A-axis.
With a 5-axis machining center, the additional rotary axes will rotate about two of those three primary axes. If you think in terms of a 3-axis machining center, it has an X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. 5-sided (3+2) Simultaneous 5-axis (full 5-axis) Simple to program Cuts faster Fewer concerns about tool interference Excellent roughing strategy Better surface finish Longer tool life Allows tool to reach difficult places smoothly Impressive but slow – avoid if possible Basics of axis configuration To understand machine configurations, it’s important to understand the basic terminology of 5-axis machining centers. Simultaneous 5-axis There are pros and cons to both 5-sided machining and 5-axis machining. Of gravity of section to outer face of structural shape. Symbols: I = moment of inertia S = section modulus r = radius of gyration x = distance from center ThusĬ 7 × 12.25 designates an American Standard C Channel with a depth of 7 inches and a nominal weight of 12.25 pounds per foot. C channels are designated by the letter C followed by the nominal depth in inches and the weight in pounds per foot. C channel sizes chart for dimensions, weight and section properties of steel channels.