March 6, 2022

Axiom Precision Model AR4Pro V5

The Axiom AutoRoute 4 Pro V5 has electro spindle performance, plus a 4-axis controller. The AutoRoute 4 Pro V5 machine comes with a great design. It has been tried and tested and offers a full range of accessories purchased separately to build the machine to your needs.ย 

The software does not come with the machine. Choose the perfect software that suits your needs. The new Axiom Precision AutoRoute4 PRO offers an improved cooling system and higher spindle performance.ย 

It is faster, and easier to maintain, and features precision ball screws, prismatic guides, a steel frame, and an interlocking aluminum table with a full 6-1/2 inch of gantry clearance. In addition, the integrated MDF spoil boards are milled flat with the spindle.

AutoRoute 24

Features

Integrated Liquid Cooling System

The Axiom Precision AR4Pro V5 uses a 3hp water-cooled electro spindle with a variable speed range between 0 to 24,000 RPM. Using it for prolonged durations becomes effortless and possible as it is water-cooled. Water-cooled spindles are also quieter than air-cooled spindles, making the machine quiet.ย 

The spindle speed is controlled by the controller via a VFD. It comes with two ER20 collets that can hold either a ยฝinch shank tool or a ยผinch shank tool. All the components for the cooling system come with the purchase. The kit has a reservoir, pipings, and a radiator with a fan. All these are behind the frame of the machine.

Precision Ball Screws

The three axes use 16 mm thick precision ball screws for linear motion. Professional-grade CNC machines use ball screw mechanisms for linear motion as they provide excellent accuracy and have no backlash.

It has a resolution of 0.00393inches which is one of the benefits of the ball screw drive mechanism. However, ball screws have low friction, and the load can move it if not in place.ย 

Sometimes, if you are using a ball screw in the vertical axis, the Z-axis may not stay in place once moved up, the weight will make it move down. To remove this problem, use 48 V NEMA 23 stepper motors that prevent ball screws from being back-driven. That makes a rapid speed of around 300 inches per minute (ipm) possible.ย 

The speed is comparable to the speeds on other CNC routers. The gantries move on precision linear guideways machined with extreme precision to provide good accuracy and frictionless motion.

Software

The software does not come with the machine. Consider the following software depending on your needs: Vetric VCarve Pro Software V10, Vetric VCarve Desktop Software V10, Vetric Aspire V10, Vetric Photovcarve Software.

The controller does not require any additional software to operate. You can transfer G-code or M-code via a USB stick to the controller. Use a CAD/CAM software program for designing and generating G-code.

Using Vectric for CAD/CAM purposes is one of the best decisions you can make. The post-processor for Vectric software is available and reliable. If there are issues with the post-processor, you can request Axiom for your software. You can use any free or paid CAD/CAM software for designing and creating toolpaths.

Frame

The high rigidity frame keeps it solid and stable. The AR4 Pro V5 has an all-welded steel frame better than the aluminum frames used in most desktop CNC routers. As much as the frame comes with high-quality material, it remains affordable.ย 

It features aluminum rails that run underneath the spoil board. These prevent flexing of the spoil board and give rigidity to the overall setup. The gantry bridge is highly stiff aluminum extrusion, and the gantry supports are made using gravity cast aluminum alloy.

The working bed uses aluminum extrusions with an integrated MDF spoil board. The frame becomes heavy and of high quality. That helps damp the vibrations and is one of the differences with other CNC routers.

Emergency Switch Padlockย 

The emergency switch keeps you away from accidents or unintended use by young children or others not qualified to use the tool. To lockout an Emergency switch: open the padlock, insert through a hole in the emergency switch, close the padlock and keep the KEY in a safe place. That is out of the reach of children.

Assembling Standย 

Assembly for stands fitting all V5 series machines is the same. The only difference is the length of the cross braces.

Specifications

Controller

Toolpaths, created in the design software, are communicated to the CNC router through the handheld controller. On the V5 series machines, done through the RichAuto B18 controller. It does not need a computer for operation and can run the handheld controller for operating the machine.

Ball Nut Bearing Service

The rolled ball screws found on each axis of any Axiom CNC machine feature a recirculating bearing. The assembly rides along the threaded shaft of the rolled ball screws, transferring the rotation of the stepper motors into linear movement along an axis. Each of these bearing assemblies includes a grease fitting for lubrication during your service.ย 

Interlocking Aluminium Table

It is lightweight but does not compromise the quality. It remains durable as if neither rust nor deteriorate. It requires minimal maintenance.

Uses

  • Woodwork
  • Advanced manufacturing

Available Size

It is a 24 by 24inch router. That is large enough to accommodate long materials.

Durability

The steel frame makes the router strong. Steel frames have a higher strength-to-weight ratio than other construction materials like wood and concrete. For the same dimensions, steel frames can carry more load. The strength and durability of steel frames lie in protection against damages.

Pros

  • Stronger
  • Faster
  • Great design
  • Higher performanceย 
  • Ease of use
  • Improved cooling system

Cons

  • No Software

Price

The Axiom tool is a higher-end tool that is worth every cent. Looking at its features, one might not find a reason to hesitate to make a purchase.ย 

Verdict

The Axiom router is a competing tool with more strengths than weaknesses. It is an industrial-grade machine designed for long hours of operation and comes with a frame better than most CNC machines available in a similar price range. It also produces parts with tight tolerances and good speeds, making it suitable for businesses that need to move volume. Axiom complements its great machine with excellent customer support and training sessions for its users.

David D. Hughes

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