Why OEMs Choose 5-Axis Machining
OEMs are constantly under pressure to reduce costs while maintaining excellent quality. To help achieve these objectives, companies are turning to 5-axis machining. 5-axis machines offer many benefits including enhanced quality and higher productivity – leading to lower production costs and faster speed to market. Below are some reasons why OEMs choose 5-axis machining. It should be noted that in order to attain the benefits below, OEMs must partner with an experienced machine shop, like ABS, that has the requisite expertise and time-on-tools to successfully operate 5-axis machines.
- Increased Part Complexity and Design Flexibility: traditional CNC machines are able to move along 3 axes: the X-, Y- , and Z-axes at the same time. 5-axis CNC machines are able to operate along these 3 axes as well as 2 additional rotational axes, A- and B-, for a total of 5-axes working simultaneously. In general, the more axes a CNC machine can operate on, the more intricate geometries it can fabricate. Thus, 5-axis CNC machining has a huge advantage over traditional CNC machines and is able to manufacture complex parts that may not be feasible with conventional CNC machines. Simply put, 5-axis machining offers OEMs unparalleled design flexibility and versatility.
- Enhanced Quality: as noted above, 5-axis machines are able to fabricate an entire part with a single setup. This leads to more accurate and reproducible products compared to traditional 2 or 3-axis CNC machines that require the part to be removed from the machine multiple times during fabrication. In addition, since 5-axis machines are able to bring the part closer to the tools, the cutting tools are shorter in length and, therefore, deliver smaller cuts and are less likely to vibrate while operating. For these reasons, the surface of parts manufactured by 5-axis machines usually has a higher-quality finish compared to parts fabricated with traditional CNC machines.
Have a complex part that requires the unparalleled quality of 5-axis machining?
Contact the experts at ABS to learn more about our advanced machining solutions and cutting-edge CNC technologies.
- Improved Productivity: traditional CNC machining requires multiple setups in order to rotate the part orientation to perform the desired cutting and machining steps. These part adjustments can lead to misalignments and errors each time the part is removed and reinserted into a new position. 5-axis machines require a single setup and can operate continuously as needed. Since these machines are able to work on every surface of the part at once, operations efficiency is significantly increased with less opportunity for error. In addition, the cutting tool is perpendicular to the cutting surface during 5-axis machining, enabling more material to be removed per pass – further reducing cycle times. Due to shorter cutters, 5-axis machines are able to operate at higher speeds without excessive pressure and wear, resulting in less breakage and longer tool life cycles. 5-axis machining delivers more efficient production and requires less hands-on time from operations personnel, resulting in lower costs and quicker turn around times for OEMs.
ABS 5-Axis Machining
Our 5-axis machining department was built from the ground up with our clients' needs in mind. From the development of large custom designed 5-axis boring mills, to our in-house tool design group, our division is well equipped to handle the most challenging designs. ABS developed this manufacturing cell focusing on complex shrouded impellers first, which are known in the industry as “single piece wheels”. Building on the successful launch of the most complex designs, ABS rapidly tooled up to cost effectively manufacture impellers up to 80 inches in diameter.
Established in 1971, ABS Machining has grown to become the recognized global leader in large machining, fabrication, and assembly for OEMs. The key to our success has been exceptional people, unparalleled facilities, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Our people are experts in their given field. Their expertise is matched only by their passion for serving our clients. We continue to invest in our people with education programs, cross training and in our internal accredited apprenticeship center.
Our facilities are state-of-the-art and, in addition to our 5-Axis Machining, we are equipped to serve our client’s requirements in:
Our massive fleet of machines and automated welding systems has delivered solutions to the most technically challenging projects. Our commitment to maintaining unparalleled facilities is evidenced by our renowned continuous capital reinvestment initiatives. Our commitment to quality goes well beyond our ISO 9001:2015 Registration. From the inception of all programs, ABS quality professionals work closely with each customer to ensure all their unique requirements are met or exceeded. It is this commitment that has positioned ABS as a strategic supplier to leading OEMs worldwide.
Contact us today to see how we can help with your machining project, or give us a call at 1-844-227-6224.
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