How can you program a CNC machine for 5-axis milling?

More than the software, post processor is the key. If the post processor is fine tuned, you need not worry about the machining. My experience with hyperMILL is fantastic. You can blindly run the program. Program for simple profiles with 3+2 axes can be done even directly on the machine with controllers like Siemens 840 D & Heidenhain. They offer cycles for tilting Planes (Example: Cycle800 on Siemens)

The only way to do full 5 axis simultaneously machining is with a CAM software package in combination with a good post for your machine tool. From my experience, not all 5 axis machines are created equal. If the machine is not completely dialed in you, will be chasing your tail for a long time.

In my opinion, the experience I have during part prove out the most important thing before selecting a machine is that what is your target. You need to first define your target & boundaries with respect to part quality, no of setup, no of tools required, cycle time, CPC of part, power torque capacity of spindle etc & of course right CAM software platform to make your component like the way you want. Also use of software like vericut to check your tool path before you run the program on shop floor is significant to avoid anything from crash & trash. Because once selection is done you can't go back. So take your decision wisely.

Master 5-axis CNC programming with attention to detail in part geometry. Choose your CAM software wisely, ensuring it aligns with your needs. Meticulously define workpiece and tool parameters. Strategically create toolpaths, optimizing angles for efficiency. Prioritize simulation to catch issues before machining. Embrace continuous learning, tapping into online resources and communities for ongoing mastery.

5 axis machining can be done using 1. Macro programming where the condition and loops takes place 2.using CAM is the advanced way of creating NC's of your needs

A mi siempre me ha resultado útil poder saber cómo empezar el mecanizado. Sobre todo trabajar con el material en bruto lo mejor posicionado posible para aprovechar mejor el material.

I believe define proper coordinate system is tricky part in machining parts which one mistake can rune your day. In my idea, a good CNC Machinist is very obsessive about this part of machining.

Defining your work area in the CAM simulation is key. You're workholding, tool holders, down to the collets and tool setters. Your machines RTCP will ultimately tell you what coordinate system you'll be using. Probing in CAM is am added bonus if you have it as well. The combination of all the features working together, will create an easier time for your machinist to do his setup.

Designing toolpath is the most easiest step to do but remember with complex parts and MEOP considerations, tool path becomes tricky. Better experience on simulations and real check can master your understanding of C/A axis together with X,Y,Z. Some of the tool path creations like interpolation contouring can be challenging like wise profile tangent contouring is easy but risky. Few models are very bad at design which increases challenge for programmer in stock/rough model creation as well as interpolation axis.

Siempre seguir unos pasos lógicos de cada mecanizado (planeado, ranurado o acabado) y tener claro como haremos la pieza pensando en la sujeción si haciendo uno o otro mecanizado perderíamos sujeción de la pieza.

When diving into CNC machining, success hinges on meticulous planning. Design your toolpath with precision, breaking down intricate features strategically. Select tools thoughtfully, considering material, cutting speeds, and tool changes. The synergy between well-crafted toolpaths and carefully chosen tools is the heartbeat of efficient and accurate CNC machining.

Um bom percurso de ferramenta, torna o programa mais rapido e eficaz, muitos programadores se preocupam apenas com as velocidades de avan?o do percurso de usinagem, e acabam deixando de lado os movimentos entre opera??es, fazendo assim, a maquina produzir varios movimentos desnecessarios. Otimizar opera??es na ordem das ferramentas lhe economiza segundos importantes.

When you use a CAM, creating G-codes is what we call CNC post-processing, and if you have a well-prepared post-processor for your CNC machine, you will never need to edit G-codes. Think of it this way: Why shouldn't your manual edits to G-codes be added to your CNC post processor? This way, instead of manually correcting G-codes each time, you can tailor your post processors to create G-codes exactly the way you want them However, editing G-codes is still common due to the challenging nature of editing CNC post processors. Even experts struggle with this complexity, making it impossible for machinists to independently edit their post processors. Fortunately, new technologies are emerging that make editing CNC post processors much easier.

I'm a retired programmer, if your cam system needs edited before you run it, you either have the wrong person building your post. Or the wrong cam system.

Use a CAM and verification software that is capable to generate and run the machine exploiting all the capabilities of the machine tool, with trained and competent programmers and operators. Don’t limit the capabilities of the machine with sub optimal code, this only costs money in lost productivity and higher long term costs.

In my experience, the codes needs some editing. There are some set up that the CAM software can not control. It always depend on actual set up, tolerances, feed&speeds,surface finish. As long as you understand the risk of editing codes that is why all cnc machines has capability of air cutting/grahics to check if you did it correctly. Some instructions can also added in comments especially loading orientation. Adding a macro also a benefit when running multi part station that can turn on/off the station needed. I don’t think there is a CAM software that can generate customize macros in your program.

Hey Jason Vice, If you can't manually edit a 5 axis CNC program successfully you have no business running a 5 axis machine!! Pro tip, dont hire operators for a 5 axis machine!!

Use Machine simulation, such as HyperMILL's Virtual Machine or Esprit's Machine Simulation, to test your program before it ever gets out to the CNC. If you do everything correct, these systems will catch any crash before it ever happens.

Having a full simulation software can help you run and check for any errors. A external software to check your code like Vericut, is also a great tool for large manufacturing plants. A quality machinist is your greatest tool as a programmer. The machinist knows the machine and with his knowledge of it. A process is created on how to process said part together for future operators to come.

Un ejemplo es primero simular, repasar las herramientas seleccionadas, mirar el estado de las herramientas y cuando vayas a comenzar a mecanizar ir muy despacio.

use some testing software like NX manufacturing, which has a process to run the program simulation, before trying the program on an actual workpiece.