Why You Should Choose 7-Axis Swiss Lathe Over 5-Axis or 3-Axis?
Nowadays, CNC machining is helping industries to produce CNC machined parts and playing their role in the economy.
In this article, we will take a look at the benefits of a 7-axis Swiss lathe over the 5-axis or 3- axis Swiss lathe. You will get clarity on the different axis CNC machines and which one is more suited to the task.
Before that, let’s look at some of the statistics about CNC machining:
“The CNC machining market is supposed to reach USD 100.86 billion by 2025”
3-axis Swiss Lathe
During the 3-axis machining process, the work-piece remains in a constant position and the cutting tool moves along the 3-axis x, y and z. 3-axis works for parts that don’t require much depth and detail. This is the most commonly used technique to create mechanical parts and can also be used for automatic operation, cutting sharp edges and drilling holes. In the 3-axis Swiss lathe, there is the 3-axis added that helps the machine to perform tapping, milling and boring operations.
Limitations of 3-axis Swiss Lathe
- There is a complex programming environment
- The installation costs are high.
- If there is any failure during the machining process in the machine, you will require high-skilled professionals to resolve the issue.
5-axis Swiss Lathe
Going to a 5-axis machining, which adds rotational abilities; allowing you to machine even more complex parts in one set-up. A major game-changer over the 3 axis machine. A little more complicated to set-up. Once set up correctly, you have good repeatability of precision parts coming off the machine.
Limitations of 5-axis Swiss Lathe
- They are more expensive than machines that are manually operated.
- The tooling solutions are more expensive.
- Machine operators require basic training. Programming is more difficult.
Why 7-axis CNC is the future of machining?
7 axis machine — consider this machine as one and done. Set-up a part with even more features and without having to transfer to another machine, part drops off complete. Work on the other side of the part, with tool transfers. Using the full functions of the 7 axis, will definitely give you great repeatability as well as cost savings.
Let’s see the advantages of 7-axis Swiss lathe
- Efficiency: Swiss lathes are compact machines; the cutting operations are done quickly. The machines can be programmed to work autonomously, so they are capable of producing parts 24/7 and without any supervision. The whole production of the parts will be glitch-free. 7-axis machines increase the efficiency of the machined parts and there is no delay in the process.
- Easily machine complex and smaller parts: In traditional machining methods like in 3-axis, the tool can only perform a limited amount of functions. The 7-axis Swiss lathe delivers a work-piece to the tool that allows creating complicated pieces efficiently. This is the reason why many manufacturing companies are leaning towards 7-axis machines.
- No need for post-fabrication: Post fabrication is not required when the parts are created with the Swiss lathes and 7-axis CNC machining. Milling — cross-drilling — working on the back end of the part all done while on the machine.
- Perform turning and milling: 7 axis allowing you to mill all around the part-turn small features on the back of the part — the machining functions far exceed the capabilities of a 3 or 5 axis machine.
Conclusion
Going with a 7-axis CNC machine can be a better option over a 3-axis or 5-axis. The 7-axis has an upper hand with the additional movement that is available with the 7-axis machining you can have access to machining angles that were not possible. 7-axis is the latest technology and most of the businesses are yet to adapt this technology, but this is the future of CNC machining that no company can afford to miss it.
