The coordinate machine can have 3 or more axes. In the simplest case, this is horizontal, vertical and rotational motion. The optimal solution is a 5-coordinate system that allows you to process most complex products. For a more specialized application, still inclined or rotary mechanisms can be added to existing axles.
The purpose of multi-axis systems
The coordinate machine has independent axes orienting both the tool and the part relative to it. Additional axes include the anti-spindle assembly, table rotation, mechanisms for unloading and loading workpieces. Management is carried out from machine controllers.
The coordinate machine has this name due to the accuracy of the holes on the surface of the workpiece along any axis of the system. As a rule, the table moves in two coordinates, and the tool moves vertically in the third. Add the ability to rotate the part itself and change the inclined surface.
The coordinate machine is equipped with two additional axes moving the tool itself in a two-coordinate system, which allows you to perform even the most complex grooves and holes.
Classic notation
They try to produce all CNC coordinate machines with standard axis names. However, the manufacturer may change the letter designation at its discretion. It so happened that horizontal movement is associated with the Latin letter X, Y more often plays the role of vertical projection, but on 5-coordinate systems this axis is the second direction of table movement.
Moving vertically and in the direction of movement of the tool to the part is indicated by the Latin letter Z. Moreover, the increase in position count occurs when moving away from the workpiece. The axis is often referred to as rotational movement, more often this designation is used in cylindrical machining.
Additional axes are assigned according to the continuation of the alphabet. However, the letter A is assigned to the tool rotation disk. The counter spindle is named the letter E. The machine manufacturer selects further names according to his preferences.
Variety of axle system options
A coordinate milling machine becomes more expensive with every axis added. Moving the tool itself in two coordinates gives great opportunities for the implementation of the cut in hard to reach places. However, this should be justified in terms of technology.
Often the addition of rotation of the tool itself reduces the strength of the entire structure and such systems become less durable. The less kinematic connections are present, the more reliable the machine becomes and it is able to process more rigid materials. A more rational solution is not to supplement the rotation of the tool, but to choose models with a turntable.
With the latter version of the machine, a larger unit rotates, but such a model will undoubtedly be more expensive. However, an important characteristic of the coordinate boring machine is retained : rigidity and reliability. This parameter is reduced when machining parts by weight in excess of normally acceptable parameters.
Multi-axis capabilities
Jig-drilling machine allows you to get complex parts:
- Lugs, holes of irregular shape.
- Shaped surfaces, body products.
- Gears, gears, impellers, rotors.
- Rigidity ribs are easily worked out.
- Holes in any projection at various angles, grooves, threads.
- All complex parts requiring curvilinear machining.
- In one cycle, you can completely process the entire surface of the workpiece.
Recently, vacuum tables are widely used to hold the workpiece due to air intake. Classic fasteners are no longer used, which reduces the time to remove and install a new workpiece.
Complete production process
The CNC coordinate milling machine operates according to a standard algorithm. First, a model of the future part is created on paper or a personal computer. The following is the transfer of dimensions and contours through the application to a machine-understood form of vector graphics. The programmer sets the direction of movement of the tool, inserts technological pauses. Selects the type of tool, machining speed, positioning accuracy of the rotating axes.
After converting the model into machine codes, the machine is ready to cut the part. But before that, debugging the program follows. First, 3D-testing of movements and control of the result is carried out. Then, on a limited supply, an automation cycle is started without rotation of the main unit - the spindle. If everything goes smoothly and without deviating the trajectory of movement, then they start cutting the part.
It should be remembered that no CNC machine can physically have protection against ignorance. In the best case, manufacturers provide soft safety couplings against mechanical damage. But even such a small breakdown can lead to long downtime. Therefore, all the numbers entered in the processing program must be meaningful and calculated. Similarly, when adding correctors for tool wear and backlash compensation.
Tools for creating programs and exporting to the machine
The coordinate machine, like a regular one, has internal memory and a set of standard interfaces that allow you to "fill in" control programs through the connectors: USB, COM, Flash-card, Ethernet, wireless methods. All of the above methods of recording programs are options and add load to the cost of equipment. In the simplest case, you can control the machine through an old PC using the installed control board and the corresponding application. This implementation is the most affordable, but for the organization of the proper operation of all nodes requires considerable knowledge in the field of machine tools.
CAD / CAM applications are used to create control codes. Their selection is huge, there are free options from leading manufacturers of machine tools. However, in the serial production of parts, a whole detachment of workers is required, consisting of a designer, programmer, production technician and repairman. As practice has shown, one person will not be able to simultaneously engage in an automated cycle and make improvements to the current processing process. With the help of applications, such an opportunity partially arose, but so far there is no universal tool that excludes human participation in the calculation of the parameters of the final product.
Technological stop
Pauses in the processing of the part are required to remove the accumulated coolant and chips from the cutting zone, to control the parameters and to inspect the integrity of the tool. They are also needed during intensive processing, when it takes time to cool the heated parts of the workpiece.
The programmer makes an automatic stop to confirm the action by the operator. This monitors the presence of an employee near the machine during operation. Additionally, a pause is entered to control the reliability of the grippers during unloading or after loading the workpiece.
Application area
Multi-axis machines are in demand from almost any manufacturer of metal products, furniture, plastics, unique products. The largest number of coordinate systems is in the automotive and aircraft industries, the space industry. Also, such machines can be seen at the sites for cutting sheet material.
Vertical multi-axis centers are mobile and easy to install on a flat platform in a new location. Manufacturers are laying the possibility of upgrading equipment by adding axes; accordingly, it is necessary to increase the memory and the number of inputs on the interface boards. From a 3-coordinate center, you can easily get 5 or 6-axis systems.
Types of cars
Multi-axis systems are used not only for hole making and metalworking. Coordinate management can be implemented for the following purposes:
- According to a similar principle, a coordinate grinding machine is built.
- The board printing system may have a similar structure.
- Automation of car painting and other parts.
- Filling forms with various materials is carried out on a grid.
On the basis of a ready-made machine, there are many solutions for narrow tasks in production. Specialists of manufacturing companies are able to refine some models and provide robots, compresses to hold parts or implement a more complex project.