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      How do I identify my milling machine type for communication to a post developer?

      The way a machine's kinematics are defined tells a developer what type of challenges should be considered. This guide aims to educate the reader on how to properly classify the style of a milling machine.


      3-Axis Machine

      • This is the most common style of a mill or a router CNC
      • A 3-axis CNC milling machine operates using three linear axes: X, Y, and Z.
        • The X-axis controls left-to-right movement.
        • The Y-axis controls front-to-back movement.
        • The Z-axis, which is the spindle, controls up-and-down movement.
      • This machine lacks rotaries and does not offer multi-axis capabilities

       

       

      4-Axis Machine

      • A 4-axis CNC milling machine operates using three linear axes: X, Y, and Z.
        • The X-axis controls left-to-right movement.
        • The Y-axis controls front-to-back movement.
        • The Z-axis, which is the spindle, controls up-and-down movement.
        • A Single Rotary that allows the part or spindle to rotate
          • An A Axis should rotate around X
          • A B Axis should rotate around Y
          • A C Axis should rotate around Z
      • These are usually in two configurations
        • A Vertical Spindle
        • A Horizontal Spindle