Introduction to knowledge of five-axis simultaneous machine tools.

I. Advantages

The use of five-axis simultaneous machine tools facilitates workpiece clamping. Special fixtures are not required during processing, reducing fixture costs and avoiding multiple clamping operations, thereby improving mold processing accuracy. The adoption of five-axis technology in mold processing reduces the number of fixtures used. Additionally, five-axis simultaneous machine tools eliminate the need for many special tools during processing, thereby lowering tool costs. These machine tools increase the effective cutting edge length of the tool, reduce cutting forces, extend tool life, and reduce costs. Using five-axis simultaneous machine tools for mold processing allows for rapid completion of mold production, faster delivery, better assurance of mold processing quality, and makes mold processing and modifications easier.

In traditional mold processing, vertical machining centers are commonly used for milling workpieces. However, as mold manufacturing technology continues to develop, some weaknesses of vertical machining centers have become increasingly apparent. Modern mold processing typically uses ball-end mills, which offer significant benefits. However, when using a vertical machining center, the linear speed at the bottom surface is zero, resulting in poor surface finish. Using four- or five-axis simultaneous machining technology for mold processing can overcome these shortcomings.

II. Types

Five-axis simultaneous machine tools come in various types, including vertical, horizontal, and cradle-type with a two-axis NC table, NC rotary table, NC 90-degree axis, NC 45B-degree axis, NC A-axis, and two-axis NC spindle. Each of these seven types of five-axis simultaneous configurations has its own unique characteristics, and it cannot be said that one type is better than the others. It depends on which type of five-axis processing is suitable for your product.

III. Development Trends

1. The first trend is the adoption of linear motor drive technology. After more than a decade of development, linear motor technology has matured significantly. The issues of susceptibility to interference and high heat generation that were present when linear motors were first developed have been resolved. The positioning technology of linear motors, which allows for rapid stopping during high-speed movement, has also been addressed by some machine tool manufacturers using damping technology.

The advantages of linear motors include linear drive, no transmission chain, no wear, and no backlash, resulting in optimal positioning accuracy. Linear motors have high dynamic performance, with accelerations exceeding 2g. They also offer high reliability and are maintenance-free.

1. The second trend is the adoption of dual-drive technology. For wider worktables or gantry-type configurations, using a central drive may not ensure that the driving force is centered, potentially causing tilting and poor dynamic performance. Using dual drives with dual gratings and a single drive module can achieve excellent dynamic performance. A single drive command activates both drives simultaneously, and the gratings detect whether the two points are balanced. If they are not, different commands are used to achieve balance. Of course, the development of five-axis simultaneous machine tool technology extends far beyond these examples, and many of these technologies will be embodied in DMG's machine tool products. Five-axis simultaneous machining center.