Why Choose a 5-Axis CNC Router Ultimate Guide

Posted May 4, 2023 4:56 pm Published by Al DePoalo BobCAD-CAM ">

Why Choose a 5-Axis CNC Router

Manufacturers across various industries choose 5-Axis CNC routers for their precision and versatility. This week, let’s look at why they are so popular, and NEW CAD CAM features that make programming them easier.

Who Chooses a 5-Axis CNC Router?

5-Axis CNC routers are well-suited for any manufacturer that requires high precision and accuracy, the ability to machine complex shapes and geometries, and the ability to produce high-quality finished parts.

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Sign making:

They use 5-Axis cnc routers to create signs that are difficult to achieve with traditional woodworking tools.

Furniture OEMs:

They use 5-Axis cnc routers to create custom furniture pieces like chair legs and arms, curved and contoured frames, backs, and moldings with intricate designs and details.

Marine:

They use 5-Axis cnc routers to manufacture complex shapes for boats and yachts like hulls, decks, and bulkheads.

Medical Industry:

They use 5-Axis cnc routers to manufacture medical devices and implants that require high precision and accuracy, like orthopedic implants, surgical instruments, and dental components.

Automotive:

They use 5-Axis cnc routers to manufacture parts such as molds, dies, and complex body panels.

Aerospace:

They use 5-Axis cnc routers to manufacture complex parts with tight tolerances for aerospace applications like engine components, wing sections, and fuselage parts.

5-Axis routers cnc are well-suited for any manufacturer that requires high precision and accuracy, the ability to machine complex shapes and geometries, and the ability to produce high-quality finished parts.

Why Manufacturing with 5-Axis CNC Routers is Better Than 3-Axis CNC Routers?

Complex part geometry:

5-Axis cnc routers allow for greater flexibility in part design and can machine complex shapes and geometries that would be difficult or impossible to produce with a 3 axis router.

Reduced setup time:

5-Axis cnc routers can often machine a part in a single setup, whereas 3-axis routers may require multiple setups to machine the same part. This reduces the time required for part setup and increases overall efficiency.

Increased accuracy:

5-Axis cnc routers machine parts with greater accuracy due to the ability to control the orientation of the cutting tool, which results in higher-quality finished parts.

Reduced machining time:

5-Axis cnc routers can often machine parts more quickly than 3 axis routers due to the ability to machine multiple sides of a part in a single setup.

Increased productivity:

With the ability to machine complex parts more efficiently and with greater accuracy, 5-Axis cnc routers can increase overall productivity in a manufacturing environment.

The choice between a three axis router and a five axis router depends on your specific needs. Suppose you require the ability to machine complex shapes and geometries, reduce set up time, increase accuracy, reduce machining time, and increase productivity. In that case, a 5-Axis router may be the better choice.

Does a 5-Axis CNC Router Have You Considering New Software?

There are several reasons why your 5-Axis cnc router, might have you looking for new CAD CAM Software.

Limitations:

Does your current CAD CAM software have the ability to handle the complexity of the parts and operations required for the work to be run on that machine? Example being if your current 3 Axis CAD CAM software doesn’t offer an upgrade path for 5 Axis capabilities.

Cost:

Does the cost of “keeping up” with your current software as far as upgrading and training have you searching for more effective options offering the same or better features?

User interface:

Is your current software complex to use, learn and navigate, making it difficult or time-consuming to program parts?

Technical support:

Is your current software vendor slow to respond or provide inadequate information?

Compatibility:

Is older software causing issues integrating hardware or software used in your manufacturing process?

Updates & Upgrades:

Has your current software vendor stopped adding new technology that is important for your business?

Because CAD CAM software for 5-Axis CNC Routers often comes down to the need for a more efficient, cost-effective, and user-friendly solution that can keep up with the demands of the industry, this is why many 5-Axis Router programmers choose The New BobCAD-CAM!

What are some popular 5-Axis CNC Routers?

Thermwood 5-Axis CNC Routers:

Thermwood is a leading manufacturer of 5-Axis CNC routers, known for their precision and reliability. Their routers are used in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and woodworking.

Haas 5-Axis CNC Routers:

Haas is a well-known manufacturer of CNC machines, including 5-Axis routers. Their routers are designed for high-speed machining and can handle various materials, from plastics to titanium.

DMG MORI 5-Axis CNC Routers:

DMG MORI is a global manufacturer of machine tools, including 5-Axis CNC routers. Their routers are known for their accuracy and efficiency, making them popular in the aerospace and medical industries.

What is the total cost of ownership of a 5-Axis CNC Router?

The total cost of ownership for a 5-Axis machine can vary widely depending on several factors, including the specific machine, the level of automation, and the required tooling and accessories. Here are some costs you can expect to incur when purchasing and operating a 5-Axis cnc router.

Machine cost:

The cost of a 5-Axis router can range from tens of thousands to several hundred thousand dollars, depending on the machine’s size, complexity, and capabilities.

Installation and setup:

Depending on the machine and the level of automation, installation and setup costs can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. This can include electrical and plumbing work, software, and training.

Tooling and accessories:

5-Axis routers require specialized tooling and accessories, including cutting tools, collets, work-holding fixtures, and dust collection systems. These costs can add up quickly and range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands.

Maintenance and repair:

Like any machine, 5-Axis routers require regular maintenance and occasional repairs. This can include replacing worn or damaged parts and routine maintenance like lubrication and cleaning. The maintenance and repair costs can vary widely depending on the machine and the level of use.

Operating costs:

5-Axis routers require electricity, coolant, and other consumables, which can add up over time. The cost of operating a 5-Axis cnc router will depend on the specific machine, the level of use, and the cost of utilities in the area.

The total cost of ownership for a 5-Axis cnc router can range from tens of thousands of dollars to well over a million dollars, depending on a variety of factors. It’s important for you to carefully consider your needs and budget when choosing a machine, software and training making sure to factor in all of the associated costs of ownership when making this purchase.

10%-30% of Total Cost of Ownership

The cost of CAD CAM software can vary widely depending on the specific package and the level of functionality required. Some packages may be available for a few thousand dollars, while more advanced packages with additional features and capabilities can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Similarly, the cost of training can vary widely depending on the level of expertise required and the duration of the training program.

CAD CAM Software & Training Budget

In general, you can spend significantly on software and training when purchasing a 5-Axis cnc router. These costs can range anywhere from 10% to 30% of the total cost of ownership, depending on the specifics of the machine and your needs. BobCAD-CAM makes 5-Axis CAD CAM software for cnc routers affordable and easy to learn by including hours of one-on-one training and online classes.

How can you reduce cost when getting starting with a 5-Axis Machine?

Invest in training: While training is a significant expense with other CAD CAM vendors, BobCAD-CAM knows it’s essential for you to build expertise and get the most out of your 5-Axis cnc router, which is why they make it affordable for shops of any size.

They include launchpad, where you learn CAD-CAM fundamentals, and they host weekly CAD CAM training events to help users of all skill sets keep up with the over 200 new features that were added over the last 3 years. Investing in high-quality training programs like BobCAD’s can reduce the risk of errors and optimize your production processes, leading to long-term cost savings.

Why It’s Better to Work Direct?

Working directly with BobCAD CAM has several advantages over working with a reseller or VAR (Value-Added Reseller). Here’s Why BobCAD-CAM customers choose to work direct.

Better support:

When you work directly with BobCAD-CAM, you have direct access to their support team. This can be beneficial if you encounter any issues with the software or need technical assistance. Working with a reseller or VAR may require you to go through an additional layer of support, which can add time and complexity to resolving any issues.

More direct communication:

When working directly with BobCAD-CAM, you can communicate directly with their development team, product managers, and other key personnel. This can be helpful if you have feature requests, feedback, or questions about the software’s capabilities.

More control over licensing:

Working directly with BobCAD-CAM gives you more control over your licensing options, such as the ability to purchase perpetual licenses. A reseller or VAR may have more limited licensing options or may have different pricing structures.

Faster updates and upgrades:

When you work directly with BobCAD-CAM, you receive updates and upgrades more quickly, as you don’t have to go through an additional distribution layer. This can be beneficial if you want to take advantage of new features or bug fixes as soon as they become available.

In conclusion:

When you purchase and implement a five-axis cnc router in your shop, it will increase efficiency, improve precision, expand design flexibility, improve surface finish, and reduce tool wear. BobCAD-CAM software will help you achieve these benefits, cost savings, and improved quality while gaining greater market competitiveness!

Changes applied in recent releases represent a significant saving of programming and machining time; for this reason, we recommend watching all the training videos, attending all of our webinars/training events, read our blogs, and use your online training. BobCAD is constantly evolving, you may be wasting time and money just due to your lack of knowledge.

Thank you all very much and we look forward to seeing you at the next webinar on this topic:

3 Axis Toolpaths 5 AXis Routers: May 10th @ 1PM