Linkage: When discussing axes in machining centers, the concept of "linkage" is indispensable. The definition of linkage in a machining center is that servo axes (excluding the spindle) can perform interpolation simultaneously. For example, in a five-axis, five-linkage machining center, if all five motion axes can move collaboratively simultaneously during machining, it's called five-axis, five-linkage; otherwise, it's "five-axis, four-linkage" or "five-axis, three-linkage." Currently, China can achieve five-axis, five-linkage.
Besides degrees of freedom, accuracy and rigidity are also crucial: While multi-axis machining centers offer more freedom and functionality in workpiece machining, they are structurally complex, expensive, and have high maintenance costs. They may not necessarily have an advantage in accuracy, and their rigidity may be slightly weaker.
Three-axis machining centers are suitable for machining a single surface; a 3+2 axis machining center, even after the machine tool rotates, still operates in a standard three-axis manner. Its advantages over three-axis centers include the ability to use shorter, more rigid cutting tools, shorter tool travel distances, and less program code. Five-axis machining centers are suitable for workpieces with more complex shapes.
In conclusion, a machining center with more axes is not necessarily better; the best equipment is the one that is suitable for the machining process.
