At M-CNC, our internal manufacturing capabilities enable us to offer 9-axis CNC machining of complex parts. Read on to find out what 9-axis CNC machining is and how it differs from 3- and 5-axis systems.
What is 9-axis CNC machining?
CNC machining is a process of manufacture that involves using subtractive machining technology to create complex, highly accurate parts. CNC milling is just one of the types of CNC machining we do here at M-CNC.
CNC milling is done using various axes, most typically 3-axis machining, which moves cutting tools in three different directions to shape CAD/CAM designed parts. 9-axis machining involves moving cutting tools in nine different directions, offering even greater degrees of versatility and precision.
The axes of movement involved in 9-axis machining are:
- X, Y, and Z axes: These refer to the linear movements of a tool. They are left-right (X-axis), front-back (Y-axis), and up-down (Z-axis).
- A, B, and C axes: These refer to the rotational movements of a tool. The A-axis rotates around the X-axis, the B-axis rotates round the Y-axis, and the C-axis rotates around the Z-axis.
- U and W axes: These refer to the additional axes that enable even more complex movements of cutting tools. These axes make it possible to machine a part from multiple angles without manually adjusting it.
How is 9-axis CNC machining done?
Generally, 9-axis CNC machining uses multiple rotational axes alongside multiple spindles. This allows a CNC machine to independently machine different sections of one part at the same time.
A 9-axis CNC milling machine combines the impressive capabilities of a 4-axis lathe and a 5-axis CNC milling machine. The machine can conduct both surface level and internal machining simultaneously and with unbeatable accuracy.
Which industries use 9-axis CNC machining?
9-axis machining achieves unparallelled levels of complex part manufacture, production efficiency, and precision. It is a type of machining favoured by many prestigious sectors, most particularly industries that require quick production of high-precision, complex components. This includes the aerospace, motorsport, and defence industries.
What are the advantages of 9-axis CNC machining?
9-axis CNC machining of complex part offers many advantages when precision engineering complex parts.
1. Increased efficiency
The ability of a 9-axis CNC mill to perform simultaneous machining operations on a part hugely increases production efficiency. Any part that is machined using multi-axis CNC machining is produced more quickly, which increases the overall productivity of the entire process when manufacturing high volumes.
For industries where time is of the essence, the quick manufacture of highly complex parts is hugely valuable. We are able to offer our motorsport and aerospace customers swift, reliable production on much precisely engineered parts. The overlapping machining 9-axis mills are capable of means there is little idle time in the entire production process.
2. Reduced waste
Even when tasked with machining the most complex of parts, the incredible precision of a multi-axis CNC mill means there is significantly less waste in the production process.
Cutting tools are accurately guided across the nine different axes to the exact specifications designated by integrated CAD/CAM design software. This means there is less scrap material produced, which is far better for the planet and cost-effective for our customers.
3. Incredible precision
Multi-axis machining has the flexibility to produce parts of incredible precision, an essential requirement for many industries.
For the aerospace industry, demands for turbine blades and highly precise structural aircraft components can be met by 9-axis machining. Similarly, we can produce bespoke car parts for our motorsport customers, enabling them to quickly test new designs and develop improved cars.
