CNC Milling Machines
A CNC milling machine is the workhorse of the modern manufacturing industry. The simplest form of milling machine has a spindle that can move downwards in the z-axis, with the bed moving the part in the x and y-axes.
The type of machine required depends on the type of components being manufactured. The more complex the part, the more axes that are required for manufacture, resulting in higher costs.
3-Axis
Most entry level CNC mills have 3-axes of motion, the z-axis refers to the spindle which moves up and down and the x & y-axis refer to left and right, and forward and backwards movement. There are various ways in which these axes can be configured in a modern CNC mill.
4-Axis
A 4-axis CNC mill has the usual x, y and z-axes as listed previously but also has an additional a-axis. This axis rotates around the x-axis and is controlled by a servo motor.
5-Axis
A 5-axis CNC mill is a highly advanced machine that allows for the manufacture of highly complex components. It has all the axes of a 4-axis machine with an additional b-axis which rotates about the y-axis. This is also a servo controlled axis and does not spin at high rpm, so can not operate as a mill turn.
6-Axis
A 6-axis machine allows for advanced manufacturing and can offer a significant increase in manufacturing speed. Typical machines have a gantry style set up with the usual x, y and z-axes, however, the milling head has another 3 rotational axes which offer unparalleled capabilities.
