3 Axis to 5 Axis

[scott41]

Hi all,

From Michigan and just got laid off.

I have ran 3 axis Verticle CNC's and programming with Mastercam for about 10 yrs now and I was wondering how much more difficult is it to learn the 5 axis machining part of it?

As it seems there would be more opportunity to find work if I knew the 5 axis end of it.

 

Any suggestions appreciated!

 

Thinks in advance.

[john316]

.

 

It just takes practice to learn what to use to get accurate machine motion. One problem is you have to be able to test it on a machine or some good simulation software to know for sure. If you have the 5-axis software you can practice making toolpath. Experiment with it.

 

.

[Hardmill]

Its all up to the individual.

Some can learn quickly and get on

the right path, others need more

hands on training or even VIDEOS

 

 

PEACE

[Josh T™]

quote:

---

others need more

hands on training or even VIDEOS

---

*sigh*

 

...if only our old "friend" was here

 

I'd start popping a bag right now!

[Jim at Gentex]

Scott,

 

If you have lots of 3 axis programming experience you should be able to adjust to 4th and 5th axis variables without too much difficulty. There's a good WCS tutorial on the FTP site here which should give you the basics. You MUST, MUST, MUST understand the relationship between different toolplanes and WCS orientations! Once you get that concept, the rest is practice, practice, practice.

 

 

This forum is a great place to ask questions, so don't be shy.

You WILL get a good answer here!

 

Good luck.

[mowens]

It also makes a difference what kind of 5 axis; nutating head, trunion, single spindle 5 axis; nutating head, what are the limits for Caxis; can it go 360, do you have to unwind? What are the limits as far as tilt? Lots of stuff to look into, but if you are a good 3 axis operator/programmer you should do fine.

[Bruce Caulley]

Anyone who uses the WCS in their normal day to day 3 axis programming to keep a single partfile should take to 3+2 pretty easily.

 

Simultaneous 5 is only really a matter of learing what all the buttons and knobs in those toolpaths do.

 

5 axis is a state of mind. And I don't mean that in an elitist sort of way. If you can keep a mental picture of what is going on and are methodical in your approach an operations layout it is a breeze.

 

Definately helps to spend some time on a 5 axis machine hands on as well. Maybe learn a machine by doing programmes for fixtures and simple 3+2 parts at the control.

 

Bruce

[Zoober]

quote:

---

5 axis is a state of mind.

---

+1000 Bruce.

I have found that the largest obstacle for people learning 5x especially 3+2, is creating/staying normal.

Creating planes is the easy part. Creating a strategy for machining the multiple faces and planes without dancing the machine, and running into limits.

As mowens said, the type of pivot makes a difference. Our Niigata Table/Table is a dream. Full, unlimited C axis, +-120 deg. of B axis.

Now take our Toyoda trunion, it has Full unlimited B, yet A is +5 to -95, and Y cannot get below center of rotation enough to cover the pallet. PIA!! You have to continuously watch for Y- over travels, and may need to force Bias and direction to achieve a rotation that is correct AND in limits.

While MCX is pretty good at alerting rotation limits (if post and MD are setup properly), there is really poor implementation of linear limit notification, and must be watched.

Also, with a Head/Head machine, you may be able to pivot to the correct vector, but you need more linear travel as the gage (pivot) length gets longer. Also, with a head/head, you don't get a pretty picture of where the knuckle is by looking at tool tip position. Thats where Siemens has a leg up with traori.

 

Not tough, just a lot of things to consider.

[Matthew Hajicek - Singularity]

quote:

---

staying normal.

---

Well that leaves all of us out!

[Zoober]

Well, me anyway.