Adding a Rotary Axis to the Toolpath
A fourth axis adds rotation, usually about the X axis, so the part can be turned during machining. Used as indexing, the part rotates to a set angle and a normal 3-axis operation is run; used continuously, the rotation moves together with the cut to machine wrapped or helical features.
This brings features on several sides of a part into one setup, which reduces re-clamping, keeps features aligned to each other and shortens handling time.
- Indexed 4-axis (positioning) for parts with features on multiple sides.
- Continuous 4-axis for wrapped and helical features around a cylinder.
- Rotary axis set-up and offsets documented for the operator.
- Works on VMCs with a rotary unit and on HMCs with an indexing table.
