How to distinguish between four axes and five axes that machining centers often say, or what is the difference?

Four-axis machining center: add a rotating shaft on the basis of three axes. The rotation axis around the X axis is called the A axis, and the rotation axis around the Y axis is called the B axis. Through rotation, multi-faceted machining can be realized, clamping times can be reduced, and machining consultation can be improved. The four-axis machining center is an advanced model with a slightly higher price.

Five-axis machining center: adding two rotating shafts on the basis of three axes can machine any surface of the workpiece except the fixed surface. Five axes are also divided into true five axes and false five axes in the industry. The difference is not whether the five axes can be linked, because the fake five axes can also be linked. The fundamental difference is whether there is RTCP, that is, the tool with RTCP function can be programmed directly with the tip of the tool, regardless of the distance from the center of the rotating shaft. Only the coordinates of the workpiece need to be considered when programming, and the length of the spindle and the position of the turntable do not need to be considered.