Features of 4-axis Machining Centre

I. Core features of 4-axis machining centre

1. 4-axis motion

Basic structure: 3 linear axes (X/Y/Z) + 1 rotary axis (A, B or C axis).

A-axis: rotates around X-axis (suitable for inclined surface machining).

B-axis: rotation around Y-axis (for side machining).

C-axis: rotation around Z-axis (for rotary parts, e.g. cylindrical indexing).

Linkage capability: usually supports 4-axis 3-linkage (three linear axes + one rotary axis synchronous movement), some high-end models support 4-axis 4-linkage.

2. Machining Advantages

Reduce the number of clamping: one clamping can complete the machining of multiple surfaces, improve accuracy (repeatable positioning accuracy up to ± 0.01mm).

Improve efficiency: reduce clamping time by more than 50% compared with 3-axis machining, suitable for mass production.

Complex contour machining: features such as helical grooves, inclined holes, cylindrical cams, etc., which are difficult to be completed by 3-axis machines, can be machined.

3. Common structural forms

Type Feature Applicable Scenario

Rotary table four-axis table rotation (A/C axis), the workpiece moves with the rotary table Small and medium-sized parts (such as flanges, gears)

Pendulum head four-axis spindle head swing (B axis), the workpiece is fixed Large box-type parts machining

Indexing head four-axis through the indexing head to achieve the angular positioning of the precision indexing machining (such as the key groove)

4. Costs and Maintenance

Price is moderate: about 1.3 ~ 1.8 times that of the 3-axis machines, much lower than the 3-axis machine tools. ~1.8 times, much lower than 5-axis machines (5-axis is usually 2-3 times more expensive).

Simple maintenance: the mechanical structure is more stable than 5-axis, low failure rate, suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises.

II. Typical applications of 4-axis machining centre

1. Rotary body parts processing (C-axis applications)

Typical parts: shafts, discs, flanges, gears.

Processing content: circumferential homogeneous hole, spiral groove, end face milling.

Industries: automotive drive shafts, motor housings, hydraulic parts.

2. Multi-angle face machining (A/B axis applications)

Typical parts: polygonal housings, inclined hole parts, valve bodies.

Processing content: side milling, inclined hole drilling, chamfering.

Industries: machinery manufacturing, electronic equipment brackets, automation equipment parts.

3. Surface and engraving machining

Typical parts: cylindrical cams, turbine blades (roughing), embossed text.

Processing: continuous indexing milling, replacing multiple processes on 3-axis machines.

Industries: handicrafts, mould pre-processing, small impellers.

4. Special industry applications

Medical devices: artificial joints, dental implants.

Energy equipment: small impellers, pipe fittings, pump bodies.