What is a 4 Axis CNC Router?
Routers are machines that can use a variety of different tools to cut shapes out of materials. The 4 axis CNC router is a type of machine that has the ability to rotate in four directions. It uses the same technology as the 2 axis router, but it has an additional two axes on either side. This allows for more freedom when cutting, but comes with added complexity and cost.
A 4-axis CNC router is a machine tool which can be used for shaping materials using computer control. It consists of a base unit with an attached cutting table that can move in four directions.
The first two axes are traditionally for moving the table laterally on the X and Y axes, while the second pair is used to raise or lower the Z axis which holds the cutting tool.
1. What are advantages of 4 axis cnc router?
A 4 axis CNC router has a lot of advantages which help it work better than a 2 axis CNC router.
A 4 axis CNC router is able to do many more functions than a 2 axis CNC router. This includes cutting, drilling, and engraving surfaces. It can also perform complex shapes and curves that a 2-axis machine cannot.
- 1. A 4 axis CNC router can be configured to cut complex shapes.
- 2. The accuracy of the CNC router is better than any other cutting machines, and it has a higher level of precision and finish compared to handwork.
- 3. A 4 axis CNC router is capable of working on materials that are hard to machine such as thick metal plates and stone slabs, or materials that would require a longer time such as aluminum panels, which can be cut in minutes instead of hours if done manually with a jigsaw for example.
- 4. A 4 axis CNC router also offers increased safety thanks to its enclosed cutting area, which prevents dust from spreading around the work area while not compromising on airflow thanks to the integrated ventilation system and filtered air intake and output ports on the enclosure.
2. What are the Drawbacks?
The drawbacks of a 4 axis CNC router are as follows:
- 1. Cost: A 4 axis CNC router costs more than a 2 axis CNC router, and the price difference can be as high as $5,000 up for a small machine.
- 2. X-axis travel: The x-axis is the longest of all axes and requires a significant amount of space to complete a cut.
- 3. Y-axis travel: The y-axis is the second longest of all axes and requires less room than the x-axis does to complete a cut, but it still takes up space.
- 4. Z-axis travel: The z-axis is the shortest of all axes and provides access to tight spaces that other machines cannot reach easily.
3. How Does it Work?
A 4 axis CNC router is a computer-controlled machine that can be programmed to cut materials on any of the 4 axes.
These machines are composed of a movable table, a computer, and some form of cutting tool. The table can be any number of shapes, depending on the desired product. The cutting tool can be either an abrasive disc or an end mill in the case of woodworking or metalworking respectively. The router’s accuracy is determined by how many axes it has.
A CNC router may have only one axis (a 2D), two axes (2D+Z), three axes (3D+X) or four axes (4D+Y). Cutting pressure and depth may also vary depending on how many axes are used in order to achieve different effects
