Turning the tables

Multi-axis machinining has long been associated with such sectors as aerospace, power generation, and automotive where the cost of large ‘builtto- order’ machines could always be justified.

However, new demands facing the toolmaking and mould and die sectors, such as speed and cost-effectiveness, have driven a market for more general, yet highly dynamic, machines.

These come in all shapes and sizes, the main players including Mikron, Matsuura, DMG, DS Technology, Hermie, Giddings and Lewis, Heller, Nicholas Correa, Mazak, Mecof, Mori Seiki, Parpas OMV and Breton and Rye.

Some pivot the table, some pivot the head and others do both — but all have their own individual advantages. The principal advantage of multi-axis over conventional three-axis machining is the ability to cut five sides of a cube in a single set-up — which is quicker than cutting a job in a series of set-ups.

Also, multiple set-ups mean there is the possibility of incorrect alignment each time the part is moved. Less obvious advantages include an excellent footprint-to-work space ratio, reduction of idle times, improved machine dynamics, surface quality and contour precision.