5 Face Bridge Type Machining Centers Guide
In machining centers, the term "5 face machining" is always linked to "5 axis machining center ". Because the two terms are similar, one might think they are the same. However, in fact, unlike 5 axis machining centers, 5 face machining centers are not equipped with 5 axes as a prerequisite. Even so, it does not prevent it from becoming a popular type of machine tool that handles multiple machining tasks, and it can even perform drilling operations at many working stations designed with multiple automatic pellet changers (APC).The concept of multitasking 5 face bridge type machining centers is originated from the conventional 4 axis machining center in the 20th century. Such models are especially common in automotive production lines, because components such as engine cases, cylinder shells, and joint parts are all formed from a single piece.
This particular type of machine tool brings a more reasonable cost to users, so 5 face bridge type machining centers are developing rapidly in the industry. Since then, the vertical 5 face machining center has been widely used in the processing of precision parts such as 3C consumables, or aerospace parts and medical equipment, and has made extensive contributions to industry and commerce. The structure of the bridge type for face machining is also a big help.
5 Face machining vs. 5 Axis Machining
Regarding the history of machinery, the concept of machining center originated from milling machines or programmed CNC milling machines. In other words, the definition of whether a milling-based machine is a machining center or just a milling machine is still unclear.
To explain this in a simple way, there exists a wide spectrum of milling-based cutting machinery. It can also be said that the conventional manual milling machine is at one end, while the multiple axis machining centers with automation system is at the other end. There are at least three axes in the traditional machining center design, namely x, y and z axis. Both the vertical machining center and the horizontal machining center can be equipped with other axes to make the machine 5 axis or at least be capable of 5 face machining.
As important variables of the worktable, the x-axis, y-axis and z-axis can be used as two additional axes on the rotary table, which can be moved to two new working dimensions, so that cutting at multiple angles can be achieved. One might wonder how to distinguish them?
Among all classifications of machining centers, there are three main structural frameworks for 5 axis machine tools. In this article, we will introduce as follows.
They are swing head type, where a single swing head is the type that can realize most 5 axis machining, such as angle machining. This type of machine and other 5 axis machining center, such as four plus one type or three plus two type, are considered convenient. The latter two machining center types have more practical advantages due to the existing three axes arrangement.
Speaking of the existing three axes arrangement, the so-called three axes arrangement means that the machining center must be designed with at least three axes, namely x, y and z axes. And it can be equipped with additional axes in both vertical and horizontal structures.
Bridge Type Machining
There are many types in the machining center inventory. As one of the classic but always useful types in the machining center series, the bridge type machining center is a highly developed machine tool that can handle heavy duty precision machining tasks. Large and hard work pieces can be completed at one stop without the need to move the work pieces between machines with different functions during processing.
In the initial stage when the machine tool industry was still progressing slowly, in the middle of the last century, milling machines developed into machining centers. Since then, this particular type of machine tool has developed well in the industry. Machining centers are widely used in various industries and have made great contributions to global industries with their versatility.
The milling process of the bridge type machining center is derived from the milling machine. Just like the ordinary milling machine, the machining process is to advance the spinning tools into one or more work pieces to remove the work piece material.
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