Okuma CNC Machine Tools

Maybe you already know exactly how 3+2 and simultaneous 5-axis work, as well as their strengths and weaknesses, but you’re still thinking, “my shop can’t do, or doesn’t need, 5-axis.” We get it. 5-axis machines have a stigma of being too complex or too expensive, with underlying issues in positional inaccuracies as well as labor and software training. Luckily, today’s 5-axis machines are much more refined than the machines that existed even 5-10 years ago.

HERE ARE SOME COMMON MYTHS WE HEAR REGARDING 5-AXIS:

MYTH #1

5-AXIS MACHINE CONTROLS ARE TOO COMPLEX

Not with Okuma machines. Okuma machines include our very own OSP P300M controls, which are intuitive and easy to use. Our OSP control is Microsoft Windows-based and uses a standard G-code format with menu-driven cycles. It’s completely customizable through our Okuma app store.

MYTH #2

5-AXIS MACHINES ARE TOO EXPENSIVE

When you compare your standard vertical machining center to a 5-axis machine, the numbers can appear daunting. That’s why it’s important to look at the big picture. If your vertical machine uses special software or parts to achieve five axes or even a 3+2 operation, you’ve already spent the money in add-ons and processing time without receiving any of the 5-axis machine benefits (e.g., 5-axis auto tuning, posture control, etc.*). Plus, the return your shop will see with 5-axis heavily outweighs the initial cost.

*See “GETTING THE MOST OUT OF 5-AXIS” section below

MYTH #3

I DON’T THINK MY SHOP HAS 5-AXIS SOFTWARE CAPABILITIES

It’s much easier to bridge the gap between your system and 5-axis machines than you think. If you already possess Mastercam, GibbsCam, Autodesk, Espirit, HyperMill, NX, or another similar software, your 5-axis machine can directly translate the code dialect.

MYTH #4

I DON’T HAVE THE TRAINING

At Okuma, we provide a multitude of resources for you when you purchase a machine. This includes 5-axis onsite training, PCNC Master, and offsite training. Between our partners (including education partners such as York Tech), your distributor, and our team, we’ll have you settled and making the most of your machine in no time.

MYTH #5

I CAN’T FIND ENOUGH SKILLED LABOR FOR 5-AXIS

Actually, 5-axis no longer requires specially trained labor, it’s almost as easy as any other machine! Our 5-axis machine’s dynamic fixture offset eliminates the need to set the part on the exact center of rotation, giving any employee the opportunity to excel in a 5-axis setup. Our machines are as close as possible to the “done in one” mantra, which means there’s a massive reduction of processing time and potential for human error.

MYTH #6

TRADITIONALLY, 5-AXIS MACHINES CREATE POSITIONAL INACCURACIES

As with any machine, advancements are constantly happening. Our OSP 5-axis auto tuning performs tuning quickly and accurately and compensates up to 11 geometric errors, including volumetric accuracy. Adjustments can be made in just 10 minutes, and it does not require a high level of skill.