5-AXIS SAWING MACHINES

Operating in the X/Y/Z/C axes and the A axis tilting the head from 0 to 90 degrees. Currently, this is the most requested and sold machine on the market in which the A axis is responsible for tilting the axes from 0-90°.

This allows cutting at any angle without having to stop the machine or adjust the head manually. We can only talk about an interpolated 5-axis machine when the movement of the head in each axis can take place at the same time. In other words, a 5-axis machine is not a machine which moves in 4 axes, but tilting of the head is only possible when the machine is at a standstill and it is done manually.

The machine is capable of making external and internal curved cuts. This is where the fifth axis comes into play: tilting the head allows for a perpendicular edge on an internal curve. If such a machine is equipped with the appropriate software, it is even possible to make complicated carvings with it.

The additional equipment of the saw with the possibility to work with a finger cutter makes it possible for the machine not only to cut elements in an autonomous mode, but also to make holes e.g. for a faucet, or even to make a depression for an induction plate, to mill a wall of inscriptions. This simple operation can reduce the workload of the CNC centre.

5-axis machining centres

These machining centres operate in the same ranges as a saw, but have the additional option of polishing.

5-axis CNCs are suitable for the following applications:
– making a variable chamfer on a tombstone plaque,
– working with pot faces,
– drilling and carving with a tool at 90 degrees (without the use of aggregates),
– making sculptures “standing up”,
– mounting of the cutting disc aggregate.

* “Cartesian” – refers to a Cartesian coordinate system, i.e. a rectangular coordinate system used to describe the location of a point on a surface or in space using two or three coordinates, respectively.

Basic axes:

– X axis longitudinal,
– Y axis transverse
– Z axis vertical (up/down),
– C axis rotation of the head and the possibility working with aggregates,
– A axis is responsible for tilt of the head 0-90 degrees (sometimes axis is responsible for tilt of the head from 0 to 90 degrees (it is also sometimes marked as B).

We can talk about a 5-axis interpolated machine only when each of these axes has the possibility to move at the same time (interpolates). There are solutions on the market such as 4 interpolated axes + 1 tilt axis automatically or manually. Mathematically, 4+1 gives 5, but this cannot be called a 5-axis machine.

A sixth axis for turning is also mentioned.

Additionally, the machine may have a T-axis for tilting the head from 0 to 5 degrees – useful for making a drainer, sink drain or shower tray with a slope to allow water to run off.

Source: Kurier kamieniarski

Author: Konrad Węgrzyn | Published: 18.12.2020