ShenZhen Washxing Technology Co.,Ltd
How to Determine the Rotation Center of Rotary When Operating a 4-axis CNC Machine?
Nowadays, a four-axis rotary table is a common piece of equipment in the machine shop. In order to complete the machining of multiple faces in one coordinate, the programming coordinates must be synchronized with the coordinates of the rotary table. In this article, we will share a method to determine the rotation center of a 4-axis rotary table.
Steps to Determine Center Rotation of a 4-Axis Rotary Table
Here, we show a 4-axis rotary table that rotates around the X-axis of a machine tool, where the axis of rotation is called the A-axis. In a word, all we need to do is to determine the Y/Z coordinates of the center of rotation on the 4-axis machine.
In addition, the X coordinate values are determined by the placement of the product, so we won’t go into detail here. The following are the specific steps to determine the center of rotation.
Step 1: Calibrate the Fixture Reference Plane
Firstly, use the calibration table to calibrate the fixture datum plane (the yellow surface). Then, set the calibrated datum plane to the 0 degree position of the A-axis.
Step 2: Set the Fixture Datum Plane
After setting the datum plane, we need to rotate the A-axis 90 degrees positive. Then, use a centering bar to measure the machine position where the datum plane is located. In the relative coordinate setting, set the Y coordinate to “0”.
Step 3: Measure the Value of the Datum Plane
Next, rotate the A-axis 180 degrees in the negative direction. Same as the last step, we need to measure the machine position on the other side of the datum using the centering bar. Then, check the current relative Y value of the machine. For example, if we assume the Y value is “92mm”, the centering diameter is 10mm centering diameter, and the fixture datum to the rotary table is 41mm.
Step 4: Determine the Position of the Rotation Center in the Y-axis
Referring to the values in the previous step, we can calculate that 92/2 = 46mm, so half of the Y value of 46mm. Then, we move the centering bar 46mm negatively towards the Y-axis.
As shown by the picture, the centering bar is now just aligned with the rotational axis of the rotary table. At the time, the position of the alignment point is the zero point of the Y value of the machine. In this way, we have completed half of the operation work.
Step 5: Find the Position of the Rotation Center in the Z-axis
Finding the Z value is relatively simple. After the rotary table returns to the A0 position, the zero point of the Z-axis of the rotary axis can be determined by moving down 41mm with the datum surface as the calculation base. This value is calculated using the formula “(92-10)/2”, where 92 is the Y-value found earlier and 10 is the diameter of the centering bar. By applying this formula, the Z value is determined.
Finally, the intersection of the Z and Y axis is the rotation center around the X axis. With these steps, we can determine the rotation center of the 4-axis rotary table.
Coordinate Setting in Programming
After determining the center value, in the programming software, we need to synchronize the program coordinates with the rotation axis of the 4-axis rotary table (relative distance of the coordinates to the fixture datum). Then we can output the program for all machined surfaces. So, the machining of multiple faces of a part can be completed by one coordinate.
Conclusion
By determining the rotation center of the 4-axis rotary table, we can complete the machining of multiple surfaces or four-axis simultaneous machining in a single clamping process with one coordinate. It also avoids the trouble of setting the machining coordinates for each machined surface during multi-face machining. In this way, we can ensure relative accuracy between the machined surfaces.
Recommendations
Types Of Milling Explained: Know All Milling Operations
Milling is inarguably the backbone of the manufacturing industry, playing a direct role in high-quality production in industries including aerospace, automotive, medical, and defense. Milling operations are highly versatile and capable of handling complex geometries with precision and speed. In this article, we will discuss the fundamentals of CNC milling and explain various milling operations, helping to choose the right milling type for your applications.Milling is a machining process t...
How to Avoid Machine Collision in the Machining Process?
Machine collision has always been an inevitable challenge in prototype and part machining. Operator errors, such as failing to perform tool settings, can lead to crashes. It will result in broken tools, scrapped workpieces, and reordering and reprocessing materials. In addition, without the automatic tool setter, manual tool setting when entering Z-value data error can also cause machine collision. In this article, we will share our summarized experiences to help you avoid this issue. Bef...
All You Need To Know Engineering Drawing And Its Elements
Drawing or painting a picture is a great technique to convey one’s thoughts. Within the broad concept of industrial design, engineering drawing or technical drawing is an essential skill for designers working with the production of real objects. Therefore, engineering drawing is arguably one of the fundamentals of engineering design that serves several critical purposes. It is a standard technical drawing carrying essential design information, a mode of communication between different eng...
Causes and Solutions for Tool Marks in Machining Metal
Precision metal parts are often manufactured using various precision machining technologies, with CNC machining being a common method. Usually, precision parts typically demand high standards for both dimensions and appearance. Therefore, when using CNC machining metals such as aluminum and copper, the occurrence of tool marks and lines on the finished product’s surface is a concern. This article discusses the reasons that cause tool marks and lines during the machining of metal products....
