3-axis gantry based CNC machines
A gantry machine or gantry milling machine is one which has a gantry frame and a horizontal long bed.
With a view to specifically cover Akriti’s 3-Axis CNC lineup, let us understand what a gantry based CNC 3-Axis CNC is. Please note that the gantry based machines are just one among the many other configurations that CNC machines are available in.
The gantry in this case, is the structure that allows the spindle to move along the x-axis. The gantry allows the spindle to essentially float over the cutting surface and there are two types
- Fixed Gantry (moving table)
- Moving Gantry
On a fixed-gantry CNC the X-axis (the short horizontal axis) is stationary and mechanically fixed with uprights to the main CNC machine frame, or to the floor slab in large machines. The spindle is moved side to side along the gantry and up and down in the Z-axis.
The workpiece is clamped to a table that moves on linear rails in the Y direction. The Y-axis movement is completely independent of the X and Z axes of the gantry. The workpiece is connected to the moving table. The Y-axis doesn’t carry the other two axes.
On a moving-gantry CNC, the X and Z axes are mounted to a gantry beam that moves forward and backward on linear rails in the Y direction back and forth along the length of the table. The spindle is moved side to side in the X direction along the gantry and up and down in the Z-axis direction.
The workpiece is clamped to a stationary table. All three axes are interdependent and act as a single unit. The Y-axis motor and linear rails carry the other two axes.
Both types have advantages and disadvantages, some of the discussion points which are listed below
- Ease of building machine
- Rigidity
- Machine size
- Heavy workpiece
