4th Axis CAM and 4th Axis machining can be handled in one of two ways: positional or simultaneous. Positional 4th Axis, or 3+1 machining, involves moving the 4th axis of the machine in between cutting material. This comes in handy when for example you need to machine a piece of roundbar to have a square on the end – each side of the square is its own distinct plane, so the 4th axis only needs to move in between cuts.
Simultaneous 4th Axis (sometimes called true 4th axis) machining involves the 4th axis moving at the same time (simultaneously) as the X, Y, and Z axes of a traditional mill. Paired with some AWESOME toolpaths in Fusion 360 this allows us to machine features that would normally require surfacing or otherwise be impossible to machine without simultaneous 4th axis machining.
The video above demonstrates this technique. See more at NYC CNC.
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