User Guide

SolidCAM2005 Milling Manual
109
5-axis Machining
9.1 Output format
The output format can be set to 3, 4 or 5 axis. In case of 3 axis, the tool axis direction must be defined
by the user, e.g. top view is 0,0,1. In case of 4 axis output, the rotary axis must be selected, e.g. around
X, Y or Z.
The output format is the property of this operation. As explained previously, SolidCAM has three
types of 5-axis Operations: 3-axis, 4-axis and 5-axis.
In case of 3-axis Operation type, the tool axis direction is defined according to the Machine CoordSys
and the Position used for the Operation.
In case of 4-axis Operation type, SolidCAM generates the output for simultaneous 4-axis movement.
This output can be used with 4- and 5 axes-CNC Machines. If you use this output with z 5-axis CNC
machine, the G-code will set the 5-axis to the correct position and then simultaneous 4-axis tool path
will be performed.
In case of 5-axis Operation type, the simultaneous 5-axis output will be performed.