5 Axis CNC Machines

When producing profiles on the CNC there are three main objectives: consistency, efficiency, and a high-quality end-product. Depending on the profile and the capabilities of the machine, Panel Tools can offer tailored solutions in solid carbide, braised tip, replaceable tip and diamond to work towards each of these objectives. A focus for improving the efficiency of profiling operations is to combine and eliminate processes, this can be achieved by doing multiple elements of the profile with a single pass or a single tool. Stacked tooling systems are one example of this.

Carving or contouring is a common application for prototyping or contract machining where the design of the component is subject to change and/or highly complex. When you cannot justify an investment in a specific profiling tool, ball nose tools and variations thereof may be used to produce almost any shape. Carving with ball nose tools can be extremely time consuming, there are dozens of options which can be investigated to achieve the detail, finish quality and time frame required.

Producing mortices and tenons is a common process across all types of joinery. Whether it be in cabinetry, door locks or furniture, mortice and tenons come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some mortices can be narrow and deep requiring specialty pocketing tools. Tenons may require steps and chamfers, these details can be factored into the design of the tool to be produced in a single pass.

Drilling is one of the most time consuming processes on the CNC and often it is the most overlooked when looking to improve efficiencies. We can offer high performance drills to increase plunge rates or multi-boring aggregates to increase your drilling capacity. Aside from standard drilling, we also have solutions for drilling at great depths, profiled drills for producing plugs and profiled drills which produce chamfers or rebates.

When jointing, we are trying to achieve a perfectly flat and square cut along the full side of the component. Usually a large surface area of material needs to be planed, and a moderate to high level finish is required. If there is enough clearance, this is generally where we will recommend a spiral or helical cutter.

For bulk material removal we are generally looking for a tool which is strong, aggressive and resistant to wear. This tool is generally placed under extremely high loads, so it is important to tailor the tool specifically to the application. Replaceable tip solutions are often recommended because they are cost effective to maintain. For example, in the case of hardwoods spiral cutterheads are very effective.