5 things you need to know from Makino

1. Discover the advantages of fully integrated 5-axis machines that offer performance benefits for medical component machining.

Fully integrated, 5-axis machines provide the greatest benefits. These machines are designed and built specifically to perform full 5-axis motion. An fully integrated 5-axis machine differs from hybrid solutions which add separate rotary tables to create 5-axis capability. Fully integrated solutions provide exceptional kinematics and motion control to manage three linear axes moving harmoniously with two rotary axes. This type of integrated solution allows manufacturers to capitalize on full, 5-axis continuous toolpath strategies.

2.  Understand the advantages of fully integrated 5-axis machining for medical components.

The primary advantages of full 5-axis machining are focused on part quality, surface finish, cycle time, and tool life. With the proper kinematic arrangement of the axes, full 5-axis machining allows manufacturers to access more features of a component at one time. You have greater flexibility in creating toolpath strategies, using shorter tool projections, enabling faster feedrates, achieving better surface finishes, and reducing cycle times by not compromising the performance of the cutting tool.

3. Selecting a machine tool partner that’s focused in 5-axis machining.

This is a critical step. Choosing the correct machine tool partner is paramount to achieving success in a constantly evolving 5-axis environment. Start with an outline of the requirements driving the decision to purchase 5-axis equipment, then prioritize it based on operational and production related improvements. Research companies historically focused on building 5-axis machines and their capabilities to support the technology. Finally, visit each manufacturer to view and understand their capabilities and to evaluate their ability to integrate and support your company’s business objectives.

4. The spindle for 5-axis machining is a critical component.

The machine tool spindle is the heart of a machine tool. This is the component performing the material removal. Choose a manufacturer that designs, builds, and tests their own spindles, in house. Machine tool builders producing their own spindles understand the characteristics of the machine for which the spindles are designed. This provides spindle offerings designed to maximize the capabilities of the machine structure it supports. With high-speed spindles becoming more popular, look at manufacturers who design spindles for continuous use at maximum speed.

5. Supporting technologies for 5-axis machining.

A fully integrated 5-axis machine solution will come equipped with all required control functions to support 5-axis machining. Additionally, there’s ancillary support equipment required. A CAM system with 5-axis capability is a must. This needs to be coupled with a robust post-processor to generate the proper G-code program for the machine. The second step is to use verification software for processing the actual posted G-code file in a virtual simulation of the machine tool. Having the proper personnel to understand and drive the initiative is paramount.

Investing in a high performance, 5-axis, machine tool doesn’t have to be an intimidating process. Applying the correct strategy and selecting the right partner, with capabilities beyond the machine tool, will greatly increase your return on investment in this technology.

For more information:
Makino
https://makino.com/medical