Why Choose Us？
Your Professional 4 Axis CNC Router manufacturer in China!
JINAN ZHONGKE CNC EQUIPMENT CO.,LTD is a professional manufacture of CNC machines for more than 15 years, we have our own workshops , warehouse and sample machine display area.
High-Quality Products
We specialize in manufacturing CNC routers, nesting CNC machines, CNC plasma cutting machines, laser cutting machines engraving machines, etc.
Wide Range of Applications
These machines can be used for wood furniture making, the decoration industry, the advertising industry, the art field, the mold production field, etc.
Export experience
With an experienced and professional team, we have exported our products to many countries and regions all over the world.
Company Honor
We have SGS, CE certification, etc. We enjoy a good reputation among our customers. We welcome customers from all parts of the world to contact us and seek cooperation for mutual benefit.
What Is 4 Axis Cnc Router？
Also referred to as a 4-axis CNC mill or 4-axis CNC router, it is a computer numerical control machine that can move its tooling in four directions: up and down, left and right, and forward and backward. This allows it to create three-dimensional objects by cutting away material from a block of material. The 4-axis CNC Router is divided into the rotary type and spindle swing type, including right rotary axis engraving machine (customizable front rotary device), 2D&3D CNC engraving machine, 3D stereoscopic engraving machine, four-axis CNC machining center, foam carving machine, spindle swing engraving machine, and lock hole machine.
Working Of 4 Axis Cnc Router
To begin, basic CNC machines with three linear axes allow a spindle to be moved in three dimensions: X, Y, and Z. To put it another way, the cutting tool can move in different directions like back and forth, side to side, and up and down. An A-axis is found in a sophisticated CNC center.
Axis A is a rotating movement rather than a linear movement. It allows a workpiece to be rotated about the X-axis. As a result, the material can be removed from the front of a workpiece and any area of its surface and at any angle.
Working Of 4 Axis Cnc Router
The fourth axis necessitates additional programming, complicating the preparatory stage. There aren’t many programming solutions designed to take a 2D or 3D model and turn it into a set of instructions for a CNC machine to follow, allowing for properly coordinated 4-axis operations. As a result, modern machines want a more professional approach, frequently assured by full-fledged CAM software that goes beyond main coding methods.
The A-axis is essential for most machining processes because it considerably improves a single machine unit’s variety of operations.
The Process of 4-Axis CNC Machining
Understanding the process of 4-axis CNC machining requires focusing on the movements and capabilities of CNC machines. These machines work seamlessly, moving the cutting tool along the X, Y, and Z axes while simultaneously rotating the workpiece on the A axis. This extra axis allows the machine to operate on the workpiece from different angles and helps create complex parts with precision.
Steps in 4-axis CNC Machining
CAD Design: A product is first designed using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software. The designer will often use a Windows PC for this process.
CAM Path: Once the design is completed, Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software creates a toolpath for the CNC machine to follow.
Setup: The workpiece is mounted on the CNC machine, and the machine is set up with the appropriate cutting tools.
Machining: The machine then begins the machining process. It moves in the X, Y, and Z directions while the mounted workpiece rotates on the A axis, allowing for continuous machining at different angles.
Finishing: Once the machining process is complete, any necessary finishing operations, such as cleaning or deburring, are performed.
What Are The Key Components Of 4 Axis Cnc Router？
Motor
The motor is the heart of the CNC router and is responsible for its functioning. The motor can be either a stepper motor or a servo motor.
Working Bed
The working table decides the machine lifetime and the working performance.
A-axis
The A-axis is useful for either continuous movement for rounded features, or by indexing, which reposition and then fixes the part at a new angle.
What Are Advantages Of 4 Axis Cnc Router？
Accuracy
A 4-axis machine can produce more accurate and precise results than a 3-axis machine.
Flexibility
A 4-axis machine can move in four directions (X, Y, Z, and A), which allows for greater control over the cutting process and more flexibility when machining complex shapes.
Efficiency
A 4-axis machine can perform complex operations such as drilling on the side of a part or on the surface of a cylinder.
Reduced Cycle Time
A 4-axis machine can reduce cycle time per part due to collective operations being performed in a single clamping.
Higher Production Capacity
4 axis machining can deal with more parts compared to 3 axis machining. Using a tombstone in a 4 axis machine more than quadruples the number of parts you can machine at a time.
Supports Milling & Turning
Machining cylindrical features are much easier with a 4 axis CNC machine. Unlike 3 axis equipment, both milling and turning of parts can be done with a single machine.
Applications Of 4 Axis Cnc Router
Engraving And Cutting Of Various Labels And Number Plate, Marble, Etc For Artistic Effects On Materials Including Marble, Brass, Steel, And Other Metallic Material.
Engraving Characters Of Any Language And Patterns On Gifts And Souvenirs, Primitive Processing And Shaping Of Artistic Crafts, And Stiletto.
Engraving Delicate Letter And Flower Pattern, Primitive And Fine Processing Of The Small Mould.
Engraving Fine Window, Fencing And Wall Patterns, Etc.
Engraving Seals And Medal On Materials Such As Buffalo Horn, Wood Etc.
Types of 4 Axis CNC Machining Centers
4 Axis machining is performed on multiple types of machining centers. While all of them have four axes, their construction and functionality are a bit different than one another. Based on the working mechanism four Axis CNC Machining Center it may be classified into the following categories.
●Positional (3+1 Axis)
●Simultaneous (True 4 Axis)
Positional (3+1 Axis)
Positional (3+1) Axis CNC Machining CenterThe Positional 4 axis machining center is basically an upgraded version of a 3 axis CNC machine. Even though there is a 4th axis, the machine would function just like how a 3-axis machine would. The only difference is that the workpiece can be rotated along the X-axis. You can add a 4th axis to your existing 3 axis equipment whenever you want. However, additional controllers and programming is required to incorporate the 4th axis functionality. But, simultaneous machining is not possible with the 4th axis. When cutting is complete on one surface, the workpiece is repositioned at a different angle, and the machining continues again. Since the 4th axis operates separately from the rest thus it is known as the 3+1 Axis machining center as well. Such a setup is more suitable when machining a part with square or polygonal features on the end. It is also good for using along with tombstones.
Simultaneous (True 4 Axis)
It can utilize all four axes together. So, it came to be known as simultaneous or true 4 axis machining center. More complex details are possible with a simultaneous four-axis machine as both the tools and workpiece can move and rotate at the same time. Note that, any machine capable of simultaneous machining will have positional machining capability as well. However, Simultaneous machining supports complex toolpaths that can be quite hard or impossible to execute with positional machining. It is especially useful for machining intricate details in a cylindrical workpiece. Based on the construction of the four Axis CNC Machining Center it may be classified into the following categories.
●Vertical
●Horizontal
4 Axis Vertical CNC Machining Centers: In this case, the workpiece is held parallel to the table, and machining is done from the vertical direction. 4 Axis CNC Vertical Machining Centers are more common. Because they are mostly a conventional 3 axis vertical milling machine equipped with a 4th axis. The 4th axis may support both positional or simultaneous four axis CNC machining depending on the controllers used and how it is programmed.
4 Axis Horizontal CNC Machining Centers: In 4 Axis CNC Horizontal Machining Centers, the workpiece is held vertically and machined from the horizontal direction. Horizontal machining centers are mostly coupled with a tombstone to support machine multiple parts. And it is usually positional in nature. Unlike 4 axis CNC vertical machining centers, these are rarely converted from an existing 3 axis machining center. The construction is entirely different and comes embedded with the 4th axis, to begin with.
Daily Maintenance Tips For 4 Axis CNC Router
Cleaning
Clean The Machine's Surfaces, Guides, And Bearings, As Well As Removing Any Dust Or Debris That Has Accumulated Inside The Machine.
Belt Tightens Check
Check Whether The Belt Is Tightened Enough And Worn Out Or Not.
Grease Your Bearings On Time
Grease Is A Key Component Of Your CNC Machines Operation, And This Needs To Be Done Regularly.
Inspect Your Machine
Set And Stick To A Regular Maintenance Schedule For Your CNC Router.
Computer Checks And Software Updates
Check Your Computer Regularly.
Cooling System Checks
Check For Cooling Water For Spindle Motor.
Environmental Checks
Maintain A Good External Environment For The Machine.
Follow Manufacturer's Guidelines
Read The Precautions On The Machine Carefully To Ensure That The Operation Will Not Damage The Machine.
Our Factory
Our Certificates
Which is Better? 3-Axis, 4-Axis, and 5-Axis CNC Router
3-axis CNC Router
The most basic form of CNC router has three axes and can move and cut along each of them at the same time.
X-axis moves from left to right
Y-axis moves from front to back
Z-axis moves up and down
The 3-axis CNC router is very common and typically used for cutting flat, two-dimensional parts.
4-axis CNC Router
The 4-axis router has all the same axes as a 3-axis router plus the additional A-axis that rotates the spindle around the X-axis up to 180 degrees during the cutting process.
This rotational axis allows CNC machining cuts to be executed on multiple sides of the workpiece without resetting, while a 3-axis router can only perform cuts to one side of the same piece at a time. 4-axis CNC routers are the preferred method for advanced, intricate cuts and carvings like those often seen in furniture, musical instruments, cabinetry, and more.
5-axis CNC Router
The 5-axis router also shares the same three core axes (X, Y, and Z), but has two additional rotational axes the A-axis that rotates around the X-axis and the B-axis that rotates around the Y rotation axis. T
This dual-rotary feature allows for cutting along five edges of material at the same time.
As such, 5-axis CNC routers are often used to cut large, three-dimensional parts in the auto, aerospace, and watercraft industries, just to name a few.
While the fifth axis does provide some added versatility and efficiency, the longer X-axis and increased gantry height of these machines can often result in decreased stability and precision compared to 4-axis routers.
Which One Should You Pick?
As you might have figured out by now, the fundamental difference between 3, 4, and 5-axis machining is in the axis movement that occurs between the cutting equipment and the workpiece. Higher motion complexity between the two parts helps machinists manufacture more geometrically-complex parts for various industries.
The number of axes indicates the complexity of the milling process that the machine can perform, the intricacy levels it can achieve when milling the component, and the points of the workpiece that the machine can work upon.
While there is no one-size-fits-all when in the market purchasing a milling machine, it all boils down to your exclusive manufacturing requirements, the intricacy and precision required, and your budget.
If you need a milling machine to dig holes, a task that does not demand precision, go for a three or 4-axis milling machine. If you supply aerospace components, you must maintain unparalleled precision, which you can achieve only with 5-axis machining. If you wish to create complex 3D shapes or perform milling on tilted surfaces of a component while ensuring high precision, go for a 4-axis milling machine.
What Controller Can Be Used For CNC Router Machines?
Mach3 CNC Controller
Mach3 is an economical and powerful machine tool control system when running on a computer. It is the most popular CNC contorller in the world. The operation of Mach3 requires a computer with at least a 1GHz processor and a 1024×768 pixel display. In this configuration, the Windows system can run fully. Desktop computers will be more applicable and economical than notebook computers. When the computer is not used to control the machine tool, it can also be used to meet other functions of the workshop. Mach3 mainly transmits signals through the parallel port, and it can also be transmitted through the serial port. The drive motors of each axis of the machine tool must be able to receive step pulse signals and direct signals. All stepper motors, DC servo motors and AC servo motors with digital encoders meet this requirement. If you want to control an old CNC machine tool whose servo system uses a resolver to measure the position of the tool, then you must replace each axis with a new drive motor.
Ncstudio CNC Controller
Ncstudio CNC controller is a CNC router machine control system from China. The CNC system can directly support G code, PLT code format and fine routing generated by MASTERCAM, UG, ArtCAM, CASMATE, AUTOCAD, CorelDraw and other CAM/CAD software. In addition to the functions of manual, stepping, automatic and machine origin return, Ncstudio also has unique functions such as simulation, dynamic display tracking, Z-axis automatic tool setting, breakpoint memory (program skip execution) and rotary axis processing. The system can be used with various 3D CNC routers and 3D CNC mills. It is suitable for all kinds of complex mold processing, advertising decoration, cutting and other industries.
Syntec CNC Controller
Syntec is a popular CNC control system developed by Taiwan Syntec Technology Co., Ltd. Taiwan Syntec is currently the most promising professional PC Based CNC controller brand. Specializing in the R&D, manufacturing, sales and service of PC Based CNC controllers. The CNC router machine is equipped with Syntec system, stable performance, convenient and flexible operation, supports dual-program, three-program and four-program display, machine coordinates, program editing and processing monitoring are presented separately, each axis group coordinates are displayed independently, and each axis group can be simulated simultaneously . Rotate the program coordinates, you can simply write the processing program, perform three-dimensional processing on the inclined surface, and easily realize milling, drilling and tapping. Supports Yaskawa bus communication control mode, which greatly reduces wiring costs and space requirements, and improves cost performance. Equipped with the Yaskawa bus communication control method, it improves the wiring and expandability problems of the traditional pulse-type general-purpose controller, so that the system is more simplified, more expandable, and easier to assemble.
DSP Controller
DSP controller is a handle control system. The DSP controller can run offline. It can be completely separated from the computer during the engraving process and can directly control the engraving machine. Handle operation, humanized design, large screen display, multi-language interface, easier operation and more convenient maintenance. The algorithm is advanced, and the unique intelligent prediction algorithm is adopted to give full play to the potential of the motor, realize high-speed continuous processing, synchronize the curve and straight line, and make the curve smoother. Super error correction, with the ability to pre-check processing documents, prevent writing or design errors in processing documents, and prevent material placement beyond the processing range.
NK CNC Controller
NK series control system is an economical all-in-one machine with high reliability and high cost performance; imported micro switches, panel function keys can be configured, and timing ports can be customized, providing parameter import and export and simple and quick system backup functions. The terminal board on the back of the all-in-one machine provides the 24V power input port, USB port, handwheel port, brake input port, brake output port, analog output port, servo drive interface (X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis) required by the system, 16 general-purpose input ports and 8 general-purpose relay output interfaces. The operation panel provides emergency stop button, power button and spindle override and feedrate override band switches.
FAQ
Q: 1.How does a 4-axis CNC router compare to a 3-axis CNC router?
Q: 2.What are the safety rules for CNC routers?
Q: 3.What are the capabilities of 4 axis CNC?
Q: 4.How long will a 4-axis CNC router last?
Q: 5.How many axis does a CNC router have?
Q: 6.What is 4-axis control?
Q: 7.How thick can a CNC router cut?
Q: 8.What are types of 4-axis CNC routers？
Q: 9.What is the difference between 4th axis and indexer?
Q: 10.What is a 4th axis rotary table?
Q: 11.Which CNC routers is right for me?
Q: 12.What software can a CNC router machine use?
Q: 13.What types of materials can a 4-Axis CNC Router work with?
Q: 14.What is the precision of CNC machining?
Q: 15.What are the Types of CNC Router Machines?
Q: 16.What's the difference between water cooling spindle and air cooling spindle?
Q: 17.Are the CNC Routers capable of doing 3D work?
Q: 18.What's the difference between 4 axis and 5 axis milling?
Q: 19.What can a 4-axis CNC router do?
Q: 20.Why are CNC routers used?
We're well-known as one of the leading 4 axis cnc router manufacturers and suppliers in China. Please rest assured to buy high quality 4 axis cnc router for sale here from our factory. For price consultation, contact us.
hammer cnc router, cnc router 1500x1500, 4 Axis Rotarycnc Router