How to maximize the benefits of five-axis linkage engraving machine

       It is not uncommon for the 5-axis function to be fully utilized. Finn said: "Some people may have a five-axis linkage engraving machine, but they don't understand its full performance, or they may not have the software needed to create the cutting program to take advantage of the full performance of the machine." Anderson said Agree: "This makes our company heartbreaking; when we see a company put everything in, get a piece of equipment, they put it on the floor, and for a variety of reasons, they took one A multi-function five-axis linkage engraving machine with five or more axes that they use as a 3-axis machine. This often happens. Anderson added: "Many of these are personnel. "It's training and understanding how to use the machine. Sometimes it's hard to think of using an upper circle, a lower circle, a main axis and a sub-spindle to handle this part, all of which are simultaneous. This is overwhelming." Anderson concluded: "There are a lot of software companies doing better and better for you, but it's hard.



The importance of 5-axis control and software

     While having a mechanic with the right skills is a major factor in maximizing the performance of a 5-axis machine, the control and software of a five-axis linkage engraver is equally important. Finn said: "When you are in high-speed five-axis machining, the servo drive and response time on the machine is very important to avoid short cuts or overshoots during machining." "The controller of the five-axis linkage engraving machine must be fast enough. Processing the data, so the tool path is a beautiful, smooth, uniform motion." You don't want the kind of action that will cause the trenching. Similarly, software that creates 5-axis programs must be able to create beautiful, smooth code so that the machine can move in smooth motion," Finn concluded.


Choosing the right CAD/CAM package is critical to getting the most out of your machine.


       Anderson said: "For example, if you are doing a blitz in the aerospace industry, you need to do high-end packaging." "If you are just making small aluminum parts for a car company, all you do is in the engine casing." Drilling a few holes is another matter.” Finn added: “If you are cutting a part that requires a cam system to create a cutting program, you should invest in a cam system to supplement the machine's capabilities.



avoid collision

       When creating a 5-axis toolpath, it is often necessary to trade off between higher speeds and feeds and minimize the risk of crashes. Fortunately, there are many software tools on the market that can help eliminate this situation. Anderson said: "With our anti-collision software, you can load 3D models of parts and tools, and the program will look at each action of the tool in advance to see if it will hit something." "If your fixture model Correct, it will capture the collision before the collision occurs." "There is software to do machine simulation," Finn commented. This is very important, especially in your high-priced parts. You don't want any type of collision that can cause you to scrap, causing someone to be injured or damage the machine. “The 3D virtual surveillance software provided by Vericut can only do the same work on an offline computer,” adds Anderson. "So, instead of running it in real time on the control, you run your part of the program via Vericut, it checks all your tool paths and verifies that it does what you think it will do."