5 Axis Machining is a machining process utilising an automated/loaded tooling spindle, with accompanying trunnion table securing the work-piece – both capable of movement in multiple axis & resulting in potential movement around 5 different axis simultaneously. This automated milling process (also referred to as 5 axis milling, multi axis milling, multi axis CNC and 5 axis cnc machining) is a high technology CNC milling operation suitable for advanced manufacturing to fine tolerances. It’s hi-tech nature and hi-spec capability means that 5 axis machining is often used for manufacturing complex components for demanding engineering applications such as aerospace/aviation, medical, motorsport & formula 1, scientific (satellite and space), energy sector (oil, gas, nuclear, solar, hydroelectric) and defence subcontract machining.
Materials Suitable for Multi-Axis Machining
A wide scope of materials can be milled with a 5 axis machine. For example, high specification & aerospace metals such as steels, alloy steel, carbon steel, aluminium, copper, brass, magnesium, titanium, zinc alloy, Monel and Nickel alloys. Exotic materials can also be machined such as carbides (tungsten, titanium, calcium, silicon, boron, zirconium, hafnium, vanadium, niobium, tantalum, chromium, molybdedum), inconel (often used for aerospace and defence machining), Kovar, hastealloy and stainless steels. Non-metallic materials can be machined such as neoprene, ceramics, graphite, nylon & viton.
Complex Geometric Components Machined to AS9100 Quality Standards
The versatile and extremely accurate properties of 5 axis machining dictate that complex geometric components can be machined from a single set-up, which drives down costs, raises the bar in terms of quality control and produces fine-tolerance machining. Combined with high specification inspection and finishing processes, 5 axis milling is highly suitable for the industries mentioned above – specifically aerospace & AS9100 requirements – due to the high level of quality control management which is attainable using this CNC machining process.
5 Axis Machining and CAD/CAM
CAD (Computer Aided Design) and CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) software is used to translate the customer’s specification into a programmed tool path for the 5 axis milling machine, and the component is manufactured in an economical fashion via an automated milling set-up. Equally, automated tool changers are programmed within the initial setup. Here at the Di-Spark Group, we run our 5 axis machining cell around-the-clock and operate remote monitoring functions to keep an eye on matters.
Combining 5 Axis Machining with Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM)
The manufacture of certain specifications of hi-tech components require the application of several machining progresses, and 5 axis milling combines economically with electrical discharge machining processes such as wire cut cnc (or wire erosion) and spark erosion machining technologies.
Contact The Di-Spark Group for 5 axis machining of complex parts and components
