Features of TSINFA 3 Axis Machining Center
- Three-axis machining centres combine performance with cost-effectiveness, offering a high-value choice.
- Three-axis machining centres support the processing of complex-shaped components.
- Delivering consistent quality in high-volume production.
- TSINFA holds European CE certification and ISO 9001:2015 quality management system accreditation.
- TSINFA provides comprehensive technical support to customers in over 100 countries worldwide.
Application of 3-axis Machining Centers
If you’re looking for the right machining equipment for aerospace components such as brackets and control panels, 3-axis machining centers can achieve tight dimensional tolerances and enable the design of components with some complexity. With the right choice of materials, 3-axis machining centres can produce parts with the desired performance stability and durability.
Three-axis machining centers are ideal for automotive parts machining, as they allow for efficient mass production and uniform quality standards for batches and lots. You can use 3-axis machining centers to produce high-quality engine blocks, gearbox parts, transmission components, interior trims and more.
Three-axis machining centers can make metal and plastic moulds with high dimensional accuracy, guaranteeing the dimensional accuracy of the products produced using the moulds. They also produce moulds with an excellent surface finish, which reduces mould defects, reduces scrap and increases the mechanical strength of the product.
Surgical instruments and implants in the medical field are not only complex but also require a high degree of surface finish. A 3-axis machining center can produce finished products to your satisfaction, ensuring not only the smooth running of treatment but also the safety of patients and doctors.
Electronic manufacturing components (e.g., housings, connectors, heat sinks, etc.) are tiny and precise, and the quality of manufacturing can easily affect the performance of the product. A 3-axis machining center can effectively solve this problem. It not only guarantees the quality of manufacturing but also the aesthetics of the surface, thus increasing the reliability of your products.
What Can a 3-axis Machining Center Do?
MillingMilling can efficiently remove unwanted material from the workpiece and quickly form the contours, cavities, planes and grooves that your customers need.
DrillingDrilling is the use of a rotating drill to make holes in the workpiece. You can adjust the parameters to obtain different hole diameters and depths as needed.
BoringBoring is used to enlarge existing holes in a workpiece to better meet your dimensional needs and to improve irregular surfaces.
TappingTapping is a type of threading that allows the workpiece to be fitted with screws or bolts. To ensure compatibility, you need to choose the right tapping tool.
ReamingReaming is also used to improve the accuracy of holes. However, unlike boring, it uses a rotary tool to scrape the inside of the hole, creating a wall with a better surface finish.
FacingCNC facing creates a flat, smooth surface on the end of a workpiece, ensuring accurate length control and smooth surface finish for subsequent assembly operations.
Engraving3-axis machining centres can help you engrave parameters such as batch numbers or specifications on your products for easy management and tracking.
What is the 3 Axis Machining Center？
Machining centres are advanced CNC machines that are not only highly automated but
can also meet your diverse process needs. A three-axis machining centre is a more basic type of multi-axis machining centre. Its cutting tools can be moved in three directions along the axes, making it possible to quickly machine workpieces of various shapes.
How Does a 3-axis Machining Center Work?
Operational Setup
3-axis machining centers are controlled by a CNC. So before machining, you need to communicate your customer’s needs in depth and ask the designer to produce a drawing with detailed information about the part. Coders then need to translate the product design into instructions for the 3-axis machining center. These instructions provide precise control of tool positions, trajectories and parameters, changeover information and spindle operation.
Executable Operation
The operator needs to select the appropriate tool according to the machining process and material and load it into the automatic tool changer. The workpiece also needs to be fixed on the table to avoid vibration and chatter during machining. The operator runs the commands, and the spindle and tool will operate automatically according to the programme to form the final shape and size. You can post-process them according to the customer’s requirements.
Types of 3-axis Machining Center
- 3-axis Vertical Machining Centers: The spindle of a vertical 3-axis machining center is perpendicular to the table, making it more compact. It is suitable if your project mainly involves machining small parts.
- 3-Axis Horizontal Machining Centers: The spindle of a horizontal 3-axis machining center is parallel to the table, allowing it to take larger and heavier workpieces. The parallel design also reduces the impact of debris on it during machining, resulting in better machining accuracy and quality.
- 3-Axis Gantry Machining Centers: The 3-axis gantry machining center consists of double columns and a top beam. This structure gives it excellent rigidity. It is commonly used in the manufacture of large and complex workpieces, and you can use it in aerospace and shipbuilding.
Advantages of 3-axis Machining Centers
Efficient Production
- Advanced CNC System: 3-axis machining centers are equipped with advanced CNC systems that reduce the reliance on manual operations. All you need to do is hire professional and skilled programmers to translate product designs into executable instructions for efficient production.
- Automatic Tool Changer: The automatic tool changer houses multiple cutting tools and allows for quick changeover during the manufacturing process, depending on the material and production process. This increases your productivity by reducing downtime and manual tool changing.
- Integration of Functions: 3-axis machining centres integrate milling with other processes (e.g., drilling, tapping, etc.) in one machine. Thus, the operator can perform multiple operations on the workpiece at once with a single setup and command. This not only reduces the costs associated with multiple dedicated machines but also saves machining time.
Excellent Production Accuracy
- Precision Operation: The 3-axis machining center has an X-axis for left and right motion, a Y-axis for forward and backward motion, and a Z-axis for up and down motion. Combined with a precision CNC system, this allows it to achieve excellent fabrication accuracy (0.001″ tolerance) and maintain consistent quality and standards for you in high-volume production.
- Cooling System: Heat is generated by the rotation and movement of the machining process. To prevent workpiece shrinkage and expansion from affecting the dimensional accuracy of the part, the 3-axis machining center has an automatic cooling system. It sprays coolant into the cutting area during operation. In addition to preventing overheating, it not only reduces tool friction, which improves the surface finish of the workpiece and extends the life of the props, but also reduces the effect of chips on the workpiece.
Easy to Use
- Ease of operation: The 3-axis machining centre balances production efficiency with operational set-up compared to machines with more axes. It is easier to operate while increasing productivity. This reduces your labour and training costs.
- Versatility: Firstly, the 3-axis machining centre can be used for high precision machining of both small parts and larger components. Secondly, you can use it to machine a wide range of materials such as metal, plastics, wood, etc. and to create complex shapes.
3 Axis Machining Center vs. 5 Axis Machining Center
Main Difference between 3-axis and 5-axis Machining Centres
- Spindle: 5-axis machining centres add A-axis and B-axis to 3-axis machining centres. The A-axis is used to control rotation around the X-axis, while the B-axis controls rotation around the Y-axis.
- Fabrication Accuracy and Complexity: Thus, this makes 5-axis machining centres superior to 3-axis machining centres in terms of fabrication accuracy and complexity. It has better flexibility and can perform more operations in a single setup for complex structural designs.
- Cost: While a 5-axis machining centre delivers higher productivity and production quality in high-volume production, it comes with a higher initial investment than a 3-axis machining centre. And 5-axis machining centres require higher labour training costs.
When Is a 3-axis Machining Center the Right Fit?
Although 3-axis machining centers are not as accurate and flexible as 5-axis machining centers, they combine excellent machining results with high cost-effectiveness compared to conventional machines. You can use a 3-axis machining center to machine simple and flat-shaped parts. Because it’s easier to program, it’s ideal for fast, high-volume production.
Three-axis machining centers are highly automated with a significant reduction in manual operations. Operators do not need to be near the operating table during machining, so you can close off the work area while working to avoid risks. In addition, you can choose to equip them with a prohibited braking system for further safety and to minimise the damage caused by errors.
Three-axis machining centers are ideal for mass production as they allow for continuous operation. Their high productivity and low labour costs make them cost-effective for mass production.
Depending on the type of equipment you have on your 3-axis machining center, some 3-axis machining centers can be upgraded to provide A-axis and B-axis movement by upgrading the rotary table or adding accessories. However, the upgraded performance will not be at the same level as a 5-axis machining center. Therefore, it is best to replace your 3-axis machining center with a new 5-axis one if required.
