- Main differences
Motion axes: three-axis machines (X, Y, Z linear axes), five-axis machines (add two rotary axes, such as A, B or C axes).
Machining freedom: the three-axis can only be cut in a straight line, and the five-axis can be tilted and rotated at multiple angles to achieve complex surface machining.
Clamping times: the three-axis needs to be clamped many times, and the five-axis is clamped at one time to complete multi-sided processing.
Applicable parts: three-axis suitable for flat and simple contours; The five shafts are suitable for complex curved surfaces such as impellers and molds.
Cost and operation: low cost and simple operation of three axes; Five-axis is expensive and complex to program.
- Respective advantages
Three-axis machine tools:
Low cost and suitable for businesses on a budget.
It is easy to operate and is suitable for high-volume standardized parts.
Good rigidity and high plane machining accuracy.
Five-axis machine:
Complex surfaces can be machined to reduce clamping errors.
One clamping completes multiple processes to improve efficiency.
Optimize tool angles and improve surface quality.
- Select a recommendation
Choose three axes: simple parts, limited budget, and the pursuit of stability.
Choose five axes: complex curved surfaces, high-precision requirements, small batches of high value-added parts.
Summary: The five-axis has stronger capabilities but high cost, and the three-axis is economical and practical but has great limitations, so it needs to be selected according to the processing needs.