Application of 3+2 CNC Machining in Mold Making Factory
Plastic injection mold manufacturersĀ have long embraced simultaneous multiple-axis machining on machine tools with five or more axes, but moreĀ and more China injection mold makersĀ have begunĀ machiningĀ moldĀ components on multiaxis platforms in the past few years, saidĀ Charlie Chan,Ā engineeringĀ managerĀ HS Mold & Die Co.,LTD
He mentioned, however, that the common approach for machining mold parts in houses isĀ 3+2, orĀ 5-axisĀ positional machining. According to his estimate, aboutĀ 80% to875% of the multi-axis work is performed via 3+2 rather than simultaneous when cutting up to five sides of aĀ prismaticĀ metalĀ workpiece in oneĀ fixturing.
What is 3+2 CNC Machining
3+2 (5 axis) CNC machining, also calledĀ āpositionalĀ five-axis machiningā,Ā is a technique whereby a three-axis milling program is executed with the cutting tool locked in a tilted position using the 5-axis machineās two rotational axes, hence the name, 3+2 machining.Ā During the machining process, theĀ fourth and fifth axes are used toĀ rotateĀ the cutting tool in a fixed position rather than to manipulate the tool continuously.Ā Ā On a standard three-axis machine, the only part face that theĀ CNCĀ machine could cut with a cutting tool in its normal positionĀ isĀ the horizontal face thatĀ facesĀ directly at the spindle.Ā
3+2 CNC Machining Advantages
Compared toĀ conventional three-axis machining, the mainĀ advantage of 3+2Ā CNCĀ machiningĀ isĀ the reduction of setup time.Ā According to data from our mold making shop, we could saveĀ easily 20% to 25% in setup timeĀ becauseĀ weĀ donāt have to handle that part multiple times.ā
Another big benefit of 3+2 CNC MachiningĀ is that it allows for the use of a shorter, more rigid cutting tool.Ā WithĀ 3+2Ā machining, the spindle head can be lowered closer to the work piece with the tool angled toward theĀ partĀ surface.Ā This means that a good surface finish and more accurate dimensional results can be achievedĀ .This helps to improve partĀ accuracy by being able to position a work piece so that short, rigid cutting tools are applied, such as when producing undercuts inĀ moldĀ cavities and steep wallĀ inserts in addition, with 3+2 machining, weĀ can use standard, off-the-shelf tools
Ā RatherĀ than using some custom, extra-long tool or holder and risk vibration, this helps toĀ save money easilyĀ byĀ 10% to 15% inĀ injection moldĀ costs becauseĀ there is no need to useĀ special tools forĀ mold manufacturers in china, 3+2 Machining is an ideal option because they canĀ use more off-the-shelf, standard catalog tooling. They haveĀ the freedom to reach into my part at different anglesĀ without usingĀ an especially long tool or special to make that feature on that part.
Application of 3+2 CNC Machining
Where applicable, 3+2 machining will save time and improve operations.This techniqueĀ is more and more popularĀ withĀ mold making companyĀ because itĀ offers great convenienceĀ whileĀ deep cavitiesĀ or insertsĀ in complexĀ plasticĀ molds that would otherwise have to be machined with long, slender tools or with tool extensions. Long, slender tools increase the risk of deflection or chatter and tool extensions can create clearance problems. Using 3+2 machining also allows undercuts in cavities and steep walls on standing mold cores to be machined directly. ThisĀ techniqueĀ might reduce or eliminate operations for electrical discharge machining (EDM).Relatively few parts are not suitable for 3+2 machining, including complex components. 3+2 CNC Machining is usually used to machine below parts:
deep cavitiesĀ or insertsĀ in complexĀ plasticĀ molds
certain types of parts from the solid rather than from a complex casting
Drilling holesĀ of metal partsĀ at compound anglesĀ such asĀ Ā aluminum brake cylindersĀ in a single setup
We are aĀ China injection moldĀ maker and our CNC machining center has both 3+2 and full 5 axis machining capability, capable of makingĀ prototypesĀ andĀ productionĀ parts as fast as one day.Ā Reach out HS Mold and see how we could benefit your next CNC rapid prototyping or low-volume manufacturing project.
















