CNC 4-Axis Machining Job Work

What is 4-Axis CNC Machining Job Work?
CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining refers to the process of removing material with high-speed precision machines that make use of a wide range of cutting tools.
CNCÂ machining is a manufacturing process where pre-programmed computer software dictates the movement of factory tools and machinery. It enables high precision, repeatability, and efficiency in producing complex parts from various materials, including metals, plastics, wood, and composites.
In a CNC machine, the axes refer to the directions in which the tool or workpiece can move. A 4-axis CNC machine typically allows movement along three linear axes (X, Y, Z) plus one rotational axis (A), enabling the tool to approach the workpiece from more angles.
How does each Axis work in 4-Axis CNC Machining?
X-Axis (Horizontal Movement)
- This is the left-to-right movement, usually controlled by moving the tool or the workpiece along a horizontal plane.
- It controls the cutting movement in the horizontal direction, from side to side.
Y-Axis (Vertical Movement)
- This is the forward and backward movement, controlled by moving the tool or the workpiece along a vertical plane.
- It controls the cutting movement in the vertical direction, forward or backward.
Z-Axis (Up-and-Down Movement)
- The Z-axis moves in the up-and-down direction, and is usually controlled by the movement of the cutting tool.
- It is essential for controlling the depth of the cuts, particularly when creating pockets, contours, or drilling holes.
A-Axis (Rotational Movement)
- The A-axis introduces rotation, typically around the X-axis.
- The workpiece rotates on its horizontal plane (or vice versa in some cases), allowing for machining on multiple sides of the part without repositioning it.
- This rotational axis is especially useful for creating complex shapes or intricate features on the part that would be difficult or impossible to machine with just the X, Y, and Z axes.
Positioning:
- The machine moves the tool along the X, Y, and Z axes to position it correctly in relation to the workpiece.
- The A-axis allows the part to rotate to different angles so the tool can access multiple faces or surfaces.
Simultaneous Movement:
- A 4-axis CNC machine can move all four axes simultaneously. For instance, while the workpiece is rotating (A-axis), the tool can move along the X, Y, and Z axes to machine different parts of the workpiece without manually repositioning it.
- This allows for greater efficiency and precision in machining complex parts, like those used in aerospace, automotive, or medical device industries.
Advantages of the A-Axis:
- The addition of the A-axis increases the versatility of the CNC machine, as it enables the machining of features that are not aligned with the main axes (such as holes at angles, or complex surfaces).
- It also improves accuracy since the part doesn’t need to be re-clamped or rotated manually.