How Many Axes Can a CNC Machine Have

CNC machinery is allowing manufacturers to produce complex components with greater efficiency. The precision and efficiency offered by CNC equipment is ideal for every environment, and technological advances mean that advanced machinery is now more accessible than ever.

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Making the most from your CNC machines requires selective investments in skilled operators, high quality tooling and equipment that is designed for your purpose. One of the most important factors to consider is the flexibility of your CNC machine and the number of axes it operates along. In this article we will discuss how many axes can a CNC machine have and how these advanced machines are being put to use.

CNC Milling Axes Explained

The power and versatility of these machines comes from their precise, CNC tools. Driven by computers, the cutting spindles on a CNC machine can operate to tolerances within hundredths of a millimetre and deliver results that would be impossible to recreate by hand.

To perform these precise operations, CNC machines need to be able to access components from every angle. This is achieved by moving the component and the cutting spindle relative to each other, either along the length of a plane or by rotating around the plane.

These axes of motion are critical to the capabilities of a CNC machine, and so most CNC equipment is defined by the number of axes it operates along. For example, common 3-axis CNC machines operate along the X, Y and Z axis, allowing the operator to program tool paths across the length, width and depth of a workpiece.

How Many Axes Can a CNC Machine Have?

CNC equipment has evolved rapidly in the past decade and it now provides more power and versatility than ever before. While most CNC machines operate along 3, 5 or 7 axes, multi-head machines can offer up to 12 axes of motion. 12-axis CNC machining represents the very latest technologies and allows manufacturers to perform complex milling operations that can&#;t be replicated any other way.

3-Axis vs 5-Axis CNC Machining

The two most common types of CNC machines are 3-axis and 5-axis variants. These are often used when processing timber products and soft materials such as aluminium, plastics, foam and composites. Although the number of axes limits the capabilities of 3 and 5-axis machines, they offer plenty of versatility when paired with skilled operators and the correct tooling.

3-axis CNC machines feature cutting heads and milling tables that operate along the X, Y and Z axis. In the most common configurations these machining planes are provided by movement in the spindle and/or the worktable. These two motions work together to provide precise machining that is ideal for simple to intermediate tasks, such as carving profiles, cutting components and creating bores.

5-axis CNC machines are the next step up for most manufacturers. In addition to the X, Y and Z axes, 5-axis machines also pivot the worktable along the A and C axis. The addition of the A and C axis allows 5-axis machining to deliver far more complex results, and these machines are widely used to produce intricate components, prototypes and decorative pieces.

9-Axis and 12-Axis CNC Machining

The most advanced CNC equipment currently available are 9 and 12-axis machines. These machines combine two independent spindles with lathes or movable machine tables to provide unprecedented control and access to components. The main benefit of using 9 or 12-axis machinery is the speed of operation. By using two spindles, 9 and 12-axis CNC machines effectively double their productivity and allow for multiple operations to be carried out concurrently.

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Getting the most from a 9 or 12-axis CNC machine requires a deep understanding of machining processes and high quality tooling that can keep up with demanding feed rates. This means that 9 and 12-axis CNC machines are most commonly used to produce advanced products like aerospace components, medical devices and dental implants.

If you are new to CNC machining, you&#;ve probably noticed all the new vocabulary that comes with the trade. Experienced operators tend to throw around terms like &#;high-rail moving gantry&#; or &#;tangential oscillating knife&#; like they are common lingo. So when you hear about machines with three, four, or five axes, you might be wondering, What&#;s the difference? And how many do I need?

Diversified Machine Systems (DMS) makes 3- and 5-axis machines to meet our customers&#; exact specifications. When coaching people through CNC options, here are the three axes we consider and what they each entail:

3-Axis CNC Routers

3-axis routers are the most basic CNC machines, but they are also extremely capable and suitable for many applications. As the name implies, they operate on three axes: the X-axis, which moves left-to-right; the Y-axis, which moves front-to-back; and the Z-axis, which moves up-and-down. While a 3-axis machine is not suitable for creating 3D designs, it is more than capable of designing very complex and precise 2D designs.

Machines with three axes are common in applications that need machining on only one side of a workpiece. While it is still possible to machine on all sides with stops to reposition the workpiece, that can be time-consuming and costly. 3-axis machines are common in woodworking,  sign-making, marine, and even aerospace industries.

Don&#;t underestimate the abilities of a 3-axis machine; there is a good chance it can solve your manufacturing challenges. DMS offers many customizations to handle different applications&#;automatic lubrication, different table options, vacuum options, and custom stroke sizes to name a few. These options make these machines very versatile and able to handle a wide variety of materials.

4-Axis CNC Routers

For processing that requires routing on the sides of an object you will need four axes of operation. The additional axis is known as the A-axis, and it refers to rotation around the X-axis. This can be achieved by either rotating the workpiece itself or, more commonly, by rotating the spindle itself around the workpiece. Adding an A-axis can also allow a milling machine to operate as a CNC lathe.

It&#;s worth considering the additional cost of a 4-axis machine for some applications. The A-axis can save you cost by reducing the number of fixtures required by a 3-axis machine. It can also save time and increase productivity by eliminating stops to reposition the workpiece to cut on more than one side of an object using a 3-axis router.

The ability to cut or drill the sides of a workpiece also allows for more complex curves and helical machining, making it ideal for applications involving cylindrical surfaces. 4-axis machines are common in aerospace, automotive, and mold-making industries. With many of the same customizations available as on 3-axis machines these can be fitted to handle many materials and applications. 

5-Axis CNC Routers

5-axis routers operate along the same X-, Y-, and Z-axis as 3-axis routers but add two axes. As with 4-axis machines, they can rotate around the X-axis with the A-axis. In addition, they can rotate around the Y-axis with the B-axis and rotate around the Z-axis with the C-axis. 5-axis machines can operate along either the A- and C-axis or the B- and C-axis at the same time. Similar to 4-axis machines, these axes can be achieved by either rotating the workpiece itself or the spindle. Anytime you are considering machining on a 4-axis machine, it&#;s worth considering the added benefits of a 5-axis machine. In fact, for some complex shapes, a 5-axis is not an option but a requirement.

5-axis machines are capable of machining very complex 3D objects and are extremely flexible in their applications. This makes them very popular in just about every industry&#;prototyping, energy, construction, and defense industries to name a few. Customizations include continuous C-axis rotation, barcode readers, automatic lubrication, and tool changers. The possibilities are endless.

What&#;s the Right Choice for Your Application?

We hope this gives you an idea of what type of machine you need for your specific manufacturing challenge. As mentioned, there are seemingly endless customizations and configurations to consider beyond the basic configuration, Z-stroke size, and table size. To make sure you have the right machine for the job we take a hands-on approach to building machines.

Contact us and one of our knowledgeable and qualified sales techs will work with you to make sure you get the right machine for your manufacturing needs. You can get the job done and even solve future challenges over the entirety of your machine&#;s lifetime. Industries are always evolving, and we are here to help you find the most efficient and cost-effective solutions to the challenges you face. Reach out today to get started!

For more 6 axis cnc milling machineinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.