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or misuse of techniques shown in this web page. We simply publish information
we feel will be of interest to CNC users. In all cases, the reader is totally
responsible for considering the implications, good and bad, of implementing one
or more of the techniques we show.
What is the difference between a 2.5 and 3 axis machine?
and also 4 and 5 axis. Thank you. K.Sivakumar
Response:
An axis is a direction of motion controlled by the CNC machine control. It
can be linear (motion along a straight line) or circular (a rotary motion). The
number of axes a machine has determines it's machining capabilities. A 2.5 axis
machine really has three moving axes, but only two axes can move together (most
machines sold today are full three axis machines). For machining centers, a
three axis machine will have three linear axes. A four or five axis machine
will have three linear axes as well as one or two rotary axes.
Note that 2.5 versus 3 axis has yet another context. 2.5 axis
machining requires that the machine have three axes, but only two axes must
be moving simultaneously at any one time. (Simple operations, like drilling and
most milling, fall into this category). On the other hand 3-axis machining
requires that all three axes be moving at the same time (More complex
operations, like the machining of sculptured surfaces required in molds and
airfoils, fall into this category.)
For more info about CNC come to our website (www.cncci.com). There are
several articles that explain the basics of CNC (under RESOURCES)
