5 Things to Know Before Buying 4 axis machining

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.

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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.

Original Post from EagleTec CNC

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I am concidering purchasing a 5 axis mill for making low volume/high end motorcycle parts and Electronics enclosures. Note all the parts that will be machined will be designed in house.

One option that I had not intially concidered is to get the machine with a 4+1 controller that can so simultanius machining using any of the 4 axis at a time. From what I can tell I will miss out on full 5 axis deburr passes. I don't exspect to NEED 5 axis swarf passes on my parts. Is there any other machine issues I should exspect from this choice of control vs the full 5 axis? Really depends on the shape of your parts. 5 axis simultaneous does enable better control of cutting conditions at the tool tip. It really becomes a need on complex 3d surfaces that are deep and difficult to reach with tiny details as in mould making. If money isn't a problem 5 axis simultaneous is the way to go as you will definitely be more efficient and you will have the extra capability even if you don't initially use it. For complex 3D surfacing applications, the tool would need to approach the workpiece from any direction (to avoid interference), which would continuously change. This would be possible only with a 5-axis simultaneous control. However, in majority of cases, even 4+1 also will do, if any 4 out of the 5 axes can be simultaneously controlled.

In my experience, the breakdown is something like this, exact numbers may vary:
80% 3 axis.
10% 3+1
5% 3+2
3% full 4
1% 4+1
1% full 5

in my experience, 3+2 is a hell of a lot more than 5%. sure, a lot of it can be done in 3 axis, but way faster as 3+2

in my experience, 3+2 is a hell of a lot more than 5%. sure, a lot of it can be done in 3 axis, but way faster as 3+2

I agree.

If this is not the case likely a better CAM software may be in order to help utilize strategies that improve machining that can be done in 3 axis but with 3+2 can allow for shorter tools, more efficient surface finishing and more. I cannot recall the last time I only used XYZ for machining a component. When I worked at DN/Doosan, the 4+1 machine was limited only in that it couldn't move all 5 axis simultaneously. One could cut with any 4 out of the 5, with the 5th one stationary.
SME tell us that 80% of all milling is 3 axis and the rest is divided up, so if money is a concern, a 4+1 can save you quite a bit and still accomplish a lot.