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-   -   5 Axis MM Conversion Discussion (http://www.mechmate.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4452)

Tom Ayres Fri 28 March 2014 04:11

5 Axis MM Conversion Discussion
 
After you asked your question, Darren, I've been thinking of how a 5 axis machine can be made. Whew! The conception of a 3 axis is easy comparatively speaking. I guess the start point would be to find software that can handle 5 axis then figure out how it handles the additional 2. For another day...

Fox Fri 28 March 2014 10:18

5 axis software is super expensive. So you'd better find the affordable full 5-axis software and then build the machine. The machine is the 'easy' part. CNC zone has some cool 5-axis examples. http://www.cnczone.com/forums/diy-cn...new-build.html

darren salyer Fri 28 March 2014 11:59

Zero aspirations for a 5 axis here.

pblackburn Fri 28 March 2014 14:18

If you have $10,000 USD you can play with the software that is needed for it to work effectively. Rhinocam has Visualmill with 5 axis continuous machining.

Tom Ayres Sat 29 March 2014 20:52

Didn't say it would be cheap, or easy, but the concepts are cool. There must be a hundred or more ways to make one workable. Pete, surely they have a free demo or something...

pblackburn Sat 29 March 2014 22:11

That is just the software. To make 5 axis work effectively, continuous machining is the way. Everything works in harmony. You can go indexed machining but not worth it in the long run. Rhinocam is well spoken of, however I never used it.

domino11 Thu 03 April 2014 08:33

Tom you should get one of these then. :)

http://www.doughtydrive.com/

darren salyer Thu 03 April 2014 09:12

Im always afraid when you have to call or email for prices. Pretty cool though..
How does SB do their 5 axis machine?

ger21 Thu 03 April 2014 09:34

I think they're around $2000/axis.

darren salyer Thu 03 April 2014 15:51

Someone else can be the pioneer on the 5 axis setup.
I nominate Tom Ayres.....
Do I hear a second???

racedirector Thu 03 April 2014 16:11

Seconded! :)

Tom Ayres Thu 03 April 2014 16:16

Vetoed! :D I'm still going to give it a hard look though.

darren salyer Thu 03 April 2014 17:37

Too late, Tom, its already been seconded.
All in favor say Aye......:)

pblackburn Thu 03 April 2014 17:52

Aye

racedirector Thu 03 April 2014 18:19

Aye! Sorry Tom, waiting with baited breath on you getting one of these drives and making it work :)

darren salyer Thu 03 April 2014 18:22

Aye

Tom Ayres Thu 03 April 2014 18:47

I'll be happy to...if I can receive financial support from each and everyone of my MM Brethren ;)

darren salyer Thu 03 April 2014 19:00

You have my moral support, sir!!

Tom Ayres Thu 03 April 2014 19:03

I already have some morals...

KenC Fri 04 April 2014 04:49

Some moral isn't enough, I'm give even more moral support :D

Tom Ayres Fri 04 April 2014 05:28

Ok, Ok, I'll 'look' in to it...After watching the video of the DoughtyDrive B/C axis assembly, way cool by-the-way, there would have to be a major y-car change and the height would have to be at least 3 times taller than what we have as a standard to be effective. The spindle would have to be air cooled (I don't think a water line would survive all that flex). And then there's the issue of Z flex. Crazy changes to make work. It does give me ideas for modifying their concept though. I'd have to start a thread on cnczone, not going to happen any time soon...

Any one of you machinist guys interested in fabricating a few parts if I can design something reasonable?

darren salyer Fri 04 April 2014 05:40

Now there's the Can-Do attitude we've come to expect from you, Tom. :D

Tom Ayres Fri 04 April 2014 05:44

More the 'Can-Try' attitude.

domino11 Fri 04 April 2014 09:24

One little link started a war I think.. :D

Tom Ayres Fri 04 April 2014 09:29

How does one zero 5 axis? "How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie roll tootsie pop?":rolleyes:

domino11 Fri 04 April 2014 09:46

I have seen videos where they have machined an aluminum box and they touched off with a probe to zero to all five sides of the box first then started the machining process.

Tom Ayres Fri 04 April 2014 11:01

I'll have to look for some vids...

darren salyer Fri 04 April 2014 11:44

No war, Heath.
I'm intrigued but will admit it is way past my skill level.

Tom Ayres Fri 04 April 2014 14:56

Well there will be no 5 axis using the b/c drive, cost is $2950 + Freight plus another $945 + freight for a 2hp (1.5kw chinese) spindle. Ha Ha, LOL. the drive uses 300 in/oz steppers that can't be changed, claim zero backlash.

darren salyer Fri 04 April 2014 15:11

That's not terrible pricing if you needed to start a 5 axis machine.


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