Many friends perhaps don't know there are true four-axis and false four-axis two types in the 4 axis cnc routers before reading this article. Of course, this distinction is defined by our industry. The definition here is only for the 4 axis cnc router machine of rotary axis type. The spindle rotation type 4-axis is not within the scope of this post.
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Before we dive into the specifics, let's look at the basic terms and notions connected to the 4 axis rotary cnc router.
As everyone knows, a 4-axis cnc router has four motion axes. But in fact, a machine with four axes may not be a real four axis cnc router. Because, only coming with a dedicated 4-axis cnc controller and 4-axis CAM programming software, can it be called a true four axis cnc machine. And this is the right machine capable of 3D carving projects like status, Queen Anne legs, and props. Otherwise, even if it has four axes, it is essentially a 3 axis machine.
For your reference, the most common 4-axis simultaneous CNC controllers include WEIHONG NK280, WEIHONG Lambda 4S, RichAuto A18, and the grades are from high to low.
Let's dive into the details now.
Working Principle and Application – True 4 Axis vs. False
The fake four-axis machine can only run X/Z/A or Y/Z/A simultaneously. Therefore, you have to disable X-axis or Y-axis instead of making the rotary (A-axis) be able to work. This kind of machine is also known as the index 4th rotary; it can only do some regular, symmetrical cylinder carving projects. The below picture is an example of such a projects.
You needn't do that for a real 4 axis cnc router; you can make X, Y, Z, and A all four axes work simultaneously. Correspondingly, it is capable of engraving regular, irregular, symmetrical, and asymmetrical jobs. For example, like the Queen legs below, a real 4-axis machine can do it, but a false 4-axis can not.
True 4-axis lends you more flexibility. It can engrave or mill cylindrical blanks at any angle from 0 degrees to 360 degrees.
For example, we want to carve a Venus model, as shown in the picture below. This kind of sculpture needs to be placed flat and cut in rotation mode; what's more, it needs four-axis work simultaneously to complete. The so-called fake 4-axis, because only three axes are moving there. It can only engrave some inverted trapezoid faces from above. Other shapes or angles cannot be reached.
Please watch the carving demo to get a better understanding of what we are trying to say here.
What Benefit Does A Real 4 Axis Have Over A False One?
The true four-axis enables you to have a broader carving area perfect for 3D carving applications like sculpture and furniture legs.
The hardware and software configuration of the true four-axis are higher than the fake four-axis.
The true four-axis can cut slots at any angle on a cylinder object, while the fake four-axis can only make slots at 90 degrees.
I hope it helps! See you next time.
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Original Post from EagleTec CNC
A 4 Axis CNC Router refers to a CNC machine whose processing path includes X, Y, Z, and A axis.
4-axis milling involves the same processes involved in 3-axis machining, where a cutting tool is used to remove material from a piece to create the desired shape and profile. However, in the case of 4-axes machining, milling is performed on an additional axis. A 4-axis CNC Router kit operates on the X, Y, and Z axes like a 3-axis machine, but it also includes rotation around the X-axis, which is called the A-axis. This is the 4th axis that’s added to our working process.
You can find the related CNC Router Products via our Rotary Axis CNC Router. In most cases, the workpiece will be rotated to allow for cutting to occur around the B-axis.4-axis milling is useful when holes and cutouts need to be made in the side of a piece or around a cylinder. They can provide quick and efficient work based on computer numerical inputs for precise results.
Available Materials: Dragon pillar, Roman column, gourd, Buddha statue, cabinet doors, paint-free doors, solid wood doors, craft doors, screens, craft window processing, shoe polishers, game cabinets, and panels, mahjong tables, casting molds, foam molds, automotive molds, aviation molds, ship molds, paraffin molds, and more other materials.
Available 4 Axis CNC Router Software: Type 3, Ucancam, Art-cam, Alpha-cam, Cabinet Vision, etc.
3 Axis VS 4 Axis VS 5 Axis CNC Router: Check this article, it aims to compare the discrepancy between the three kinds of rotary CNC Router and help you to make the best choice.
4 axis CNC router machine price: The answer depends entirely on how big of a bed you want, what options you want, what material you’re running, whether you have any interest in building your own, and your requirements for training.
For more information, you can also click to view, this is an article dedicated to the price of the CNC Router machine for sale.
Note: In addition to the machine itself, you’ll need to purchase a computer-aided design (CAD) software package to create the designs. Some dealers offer packages that bundle the cost of the machine, training, shipping, and installation. Therefore, before deciding to purchase, be sure to ask if you need to spend extra money.
What you should know:
1. What material you will want to engrave?
2. How will you hold the material while machining it? Vacuum? Clamps? Double-sided tape?
3. Do you know how to create machinable designs using a CAD program?
4. Partner with a Maker before Buying a Machine: It may be better to work with someone who already has a machine and knows how to use it. That way you can quickly learn if your design is best machined on a CNC. You can also investigate if your idea is marketable.
5. If you are the first contact with 4 axis CNC Routers, you can also directly consult FOUSUN CNC, we have been focusing on providing high-quality CNC Router Machines and solutions for worldwide customers for 20 years.
For more CNC Milling Serviceinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.