JMI CNC Tooling & Automation
  • Home
  • About
  • Line Card
    • Cutting Tools >
      • AB Tools Inc
      • AKKO
      • CFT Coolant Fed Tooling
      • Horizon Carbide
      • Whizcut
    • Tooling & Workholding >
      • Blue Photon
      • Jergens
      • MAQ Devibe
      • Masa - Microconic
      • OMG Angle Heads
      • Pratt Burnerd
      • Soph Magnetics
    • Machine Accessories >
      • BRM
      • GMN USA
      • EWS
      • Tapmatic
  • News
  • Contact

Breaking news

Layout and Planning Techniques for 5-axis CNC Machining Centers

1/10/2023

0 Comments

 
Jack Rushlander, Jergens Technical Sales Manager discusses layout and planning techniques for 5-axis machining centers.
Picture

Jack Rushlander from Jergens workholding talks about how advancements in 5 Axis CNC machining technology has changed dramatically in the past 20 years. Dynamic Work Offsets and other capabilities have made workholding easier but also given shops even more opportunities to to improve process and reduce cycle time.

5-axis machining is a game-changer in modern manufacturing, allowing for the creation of complex, precise parts with unparalleled efficiency. By enabling simultaneous movement along five axes, this technology significantly reduces the need for multiple setups, resulting in improved accuracy and faster production cycles. However, while its benefits are transformative, the challenges and considerations associated with 5-axis machining are equally significant.
​
One of the most striking advantages of 5-axis machining is its ability to streamline operations. Complex geometries that would traditionally require multiple setups can now be completed in a single run, reducing production time and minimizing the chance of errors. This capability not only enhances precision but also eliminates the need for extensive fixturing and repositioning, leading to higher-quality finishes.

Despite these advantages, adopting 5-axis machining is not without its hurdles. The machines are more complex and expensive than their 3-axis counterparts, requiring substantial investment in both equipment and training. Programming 5-axis operations is also more intricate, demanding advanced software and experienced operators who understand the nuances of tool paths and machine kinematics.

Success in 5-axis machining begins with thorough preparation. Selecting the right tools, understanding the machine's capabilities, and ensuring proper workholding are all critical. Matching the machine’s specifications—such as spindle speed, torque, and material handling capabilities—to the project requirements is equally essential.

Accurate part drawings and the right choice of raw materials lay the foundation for a successful operation. Clear, detailed drawings provide machinists with a reliable guide, while high-quality materials ensure both machining efficiency and final product performance. Tools like dovetail fixtures are particularly valuable for securing workpieces during machining, especially for intricate parts requiring multiple angles.

To maximize efficiency, leveraging tools like SolidWorks to define the machine's work envelope can help visualize part orientation and motion. This approach allows operators to identify potential collisions and optimize tool paths before production begins, saving time and resources.

Collaboration plays a crucial role in 5-axis machining. Consulting with machinists during the planning and programming phases can reveal practical insights and preempt potential issues. Troubleshooting is another vital aspect, addressing challenges such as tool deflection, chatter, and thermal expansion to maintain quality. Engaging additional perspectives—whether from colleagues or external experts—can also lead to valuable refinements in the process.

Lastly, clear and comprehensive communication with CNC programmers ensures that tool paths and machining strategies align with the project's goals. Providing detailed specifications, including geometry, materials, and tooling requirements, is essential for effective programming.

In conclusion, while this article covers key points about 5-axis machining, there’s so much more to learn about the process and its practical applications. For a detailed exploration of this technology, watch the full video below and see how Galactic Widget Company tackles the workholding of a Thingamajig and discover insights that can take your machining expertise to the next level.

  • 00:00 - 01:35 Introduction
  • 01:35 - 03:50 The Pros of 5-Axis
  • 03:50 - 06:20 The Cons of 5-Axis
  • 06:30 - 09:36 Process Essentials
  • 09:39 - 11:53 The Machine
  • 11:55 - 15:40 Part Drawing & Raw Material
  • 15:50 - 19:45 When to Use a Dovetail
  • 19:46 - 21:35 Start to Finish Operation in Drawings
  • 21:36 - 30:38 Work Envelope in Solidworks
  • 31:24 - 33:58 Analyze With Your Machinists
  • 35:30 - 37:08 Troubleshooting
  • 37:18 - 37:56 Getting Other Eyes on Your Project
  • 38:00 - 39:40 The Process of Sending Project to Your Programmer
  • 39:45 - 49:36 Questions
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    BREAKING NEWS

    Check the category list below for your subject of interest.  We bring you the latest breaking news and tech tips here!

    Categories

    All
    AB Tool
    Accu-Hold
    Achteck
    Achteck AP100S
    AKKO
    Angle Heads
    Arbor: Custom
    Arbor: Gold Star
    Arbor: Ti-Loc Swiss
    Balance Systems
    BlueGrip Adhesive
    Blue Photon
    BRISC Magnetics
    BRM Brush Research
    BRM - Brush Research
    BRM Flexhone
    B-Safe X System
    Carbide Insert Height
    Carbide Inserts
    Carbide Insert Thickness
    Carbide Insert Tolerance
    Carbide Saws
    CFT Coolant Fed Tooling
    CNC Milling
    CNC Swiss
    CNC Turning
    Drilling
    EWS
    EWS BMT65
    EWS.Techline
    Flex-Hone
    George Whalley
    GMN USA
    Horizon Carbide
    IMTS
    Inserts
    Jergens
    Jergens 52-96
    Jergens Ball Lock
    Jergens Fixture Pro
    Jergens Washdown Tool
    Machine Tool Monitoring
    MAQ
    MAQ Devibe Bar
    MAQ Digital Protractor
    MAQ Rotational Fine Boring
    Martindale Saw
    Masa Microconic
    Micrograd
    Oldham Coupling
    OMG
    Picatinny Rail Cutter
    Pratt Burnerd
    Saw Arbor
    SOPH Magnetics
    SOUTHTEC
    Spade Drills
    Tapmatic
    TapMatic DeBurr-Z
    Tapmatic Scribewriter
    Tapmatic SynchroFlex
    Tapmatic TapWriter
    Tapping
    Tech Tips
    Toolholder Insert Height
    Troubleshooting
    Turning: ID Grooving
    Turning: OD Grooving
    Turning: Threading
    WhizCut
    WhizCut PZ
    WhizHip
    WhizTwin
    Widen
    Workholding
    Workholding Magnetic

    Archives

    June 2025
    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    April 2022
    January 2022
    July 2021

    RSS Feed

COMPANY

HOME 
​

ABOUT

INFO

LINE CARD
​

NEWS
CONTACT
©2025 Jones Marketing & JMI CNC Tooling & Automation 
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Created by Rapid Production Marketing

  • Home
  • About
  • Line Card
    • Cutting Tools >
      • AB Tools Inc
      • AKKO
      • CFT Coolant Fed Tooling
      • Horizon Carbide
      • Whizcut
    • Tooling & Workholding >
      • Blue Photon
      • Jergens
      • MAQ Devibe
      • Masa - Microconic
      • OMG Angle Heads
      • Pratt Burnerd
      • Soph Magnetics
    • Machine Accessories >
      • BRM
      • GMN USA
      • EWS
      • Tapmatic
  • News
  • Contact