Main Spindle Machining Center

Application of Five-Axis Machining Center in Car Mold Processing

Currently, CAD software is primarily used for designing automotive parts, with reverse engineering and various experiments conducted to aid in the design process. CAM software is employed for machining the complex surfaces of molds. However, how can we ensure precision in both design and machining? This is where CNC machining comes in. Below is a brief analysis of the relationship between the application of five-axis machining centers in mold processing and the quality of car molds.

2.1 Machining of Deep Cavity Molds

In the entire process of car mold manufacturing, if a three-axis machining center is used to machine deep cavity molds, the collet and tooling must be extended. However, when using a five-axis machining center to machine deep and steep cavities, to create better machining conditions, additional rotation and tilting of the workpiece or spindle head can be utilized. This allows for a reduction in tool length, thereby preventing collisions between the tool, boring bar, and the interior walls of the mold. This reduces tool vibration and wear during machining, extends tool life, and improves the mold's process performance and machining efficiency.

2.2 Machining of Mold Side Walls

For machining mold side walls, the tool length used in a three-axis machining center must be greater than the depth of the side wall, with the side wall depth determining the tool length. If the tool length is increased, its strength will significantly decrease. If the tool length exceeds three times its diameter, tool deflection will occur, compromising the quality of the workpiece. If a five-axis machining center is used to machine the side walls of the mold, the spindle or workpiece can be tilted to keep the tool perpendicular to the mold side wall at all times. A face mill can be used when milling the mold side walls, which improves the quality of the workpiece and extends tool life.