A fifth axis
Machines with five axes are unique in that they are able to carve/cut not just on the upward-facing surface but also on all surfaces, bar the one where the workpiece is held. If you think about the engine block of your car, that likely was CNC-machined this way. There are some great videos out there of this, such as the following:
- This video takes a huge aluminum cylinder and turns it into a miniature V8 engine block. Look at all the coolant it uses, and as it carves and cuts, the machine also switches toolheads for each specific job. On top of this, not only does the machine drill holes but it also taps them – spectacular! Here’s the link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHstzxuryMk.
- Remember our chapter on the 4th axis? Here’s a video that cuts an engine block with four axes, but unlike our modification, you can’t sacrifice one of the axes for it. Here, you have X, Y, Z, AND Theta (the degree of rotation). No, it&...
