The part we have here is a typical aluminium die-cast part used in general industry. As this part connects different pipes, the coaxility requirements are very important, as are the hole fitting tolerances.
The problem with parts like this is that they have too many attachments. These add-ons require a clean surface and drilling so the parts ultimately need to be machined from all sides.
Going for 5-axis
In view of the high number of different angles of the surfaces and depending the number of parts to be produced at the same time, we are talking about 3-4 operations in a typical 4-axis horizontal machine. In a 5-axis machine, however, we can mostly reduce this to just two operations.
In the case of the Makino DA300, which by default is ready for automation, it is possible to combine the flexibility and low number of setups with automation – and that makes a very interesting combination.
For example, this part made of AC2B-T6 aluminium was finished just in 5 minutes and 45 seconds.
