How Limiting Are Limited Five-Axis Travels?
Boeing experts recently responded to a question regarding a “nutating” head that was submitted through our Aerospace Machining Zone
Share
Personnel from Boeing's Research & Technology group recently answered readers' questions. One reader asked the following.
Question
I recently have been involved with the acquisition of a new milling machine. It is a large 5-axis gantry-style mill with a nutating head. This head is A-axis swing and C-axis rotation. Travels are 200 degrees for A and 400 degrees for C. I want to have the head modified to unlimited C-axis rotation, though my managers question whether we can justify this request. What is your opinion?
Response from Boeing’s Research & Technology group
We have three machines with the same 400-degree C-axis limitation, and from a programming standpoint it can be challenging. When we program 5-axis pocket and periphery motion, the head hits the limits often enough that it requires added programming time and machine time to repeatedly “unwind” the head.
Our opinion (though we have no hard numbers to back this up) is that unlimited C-axis rotation would pay for itself in reduced programming time and increased machining efficiency.
Related Content
-
Shop Tour Video: From Garage Shop to Leading Aerospace Supplier
From repairing aircraft interiors to manufacturing medical implants, Superior Joining Technologies excels at CNC machining, TIG welding, laser welding, and NADCAP-accredited nondestructive testing. Discover how this Rockford-based company supports the aerospace industry through a combination of advanced technologies.
-
Horizontal High-Speed Machining Saves Hundreds of Work Hours
High-speed machining is the latest change at Blair-HSM South, helping this once old-fashioned shop improve productivity and morale while enabling new work.
-
Forkardt Hardinge Swiss Workholding Provides Reliable, Consistent Performance
The company’s Swiss collets are designed to securely hold parts without marring surfaces, minimizing vibration to ensure smoother machining, enhanced accuracy and extended tool life.
