SCM Accord 50 FX

In 3+2 positioning (also called indexed five-axis), the machine tilts and rotates the spindle to a fixed angle, locks those axes, then performs the cutting motion using only X, Y, and Z. This allows angled approach to workpiece surfaces but the spindle does not tilt during cutting. In true simultaneous five-axis machining, all five axes move at the same time during cutting — the spindle tilts and rotates continuously as it traces a 3D surface. Simultaneous five-axis is required for: machining complex curved surfaces without visible facets; maintaining constant surface speed on undulating surfaces; machining undercuts where the tool must continuously change angle to follow the surface geometry; and high-speed five-axis finishing where the tool constantly adjusts angle to optimize chip load. The Accord 50 FX supports both modes — 3+2 for most furniture applications, simultaneous for sculptural and complex curved work.

For true five-axis simultaneous programming on the Accord 50 FX, the standard industry options are: Alphacam (preferred for woodworking, SCM offers a certified post-processor); PowerMILL (strongest for complex 3D sculptural machining, common in high-end custom work); Mastercam (widely trained operators); and WorkNC (strong for sculptural surfaces). SCM's native xCAM handles 3+2 positioned operations and standard routing/drilling programs — it is not suited for complex simultaneous five-axis toolpath generation. Most Accord 50 FX users run a two-software approach: xCAM or Maestro's built-in programming for standard furniture operations, and a dedicated five-axis CAM package (Alphacam or PowerMILL) for complex sculptural and joinery work. Post-processors are available from both SCM and the CAM software vendors.

Five-axis simultaneous machining delivers the most benefit in: solid wood sculptural work (chair backs, cabriole legs, carved panels, column details — surfaces that curve in multiple directions); complex solid wood joinery with angled mortises, compound tenons, and angled bridle joints; MDF and solid surface 3D relief panels (decorative wall panels, carved cabinet door panels); thick composite sandwich panels requiring edge machining at various angles; acrylic and polycarbonate sculptural forms; and instrument bodies and other precision curved wood objects. For standard flat panel furniture (cabinets, shelves, drawer fronts), three-axis machining is fully sufficient and more cost-effective. Five-axis justification requires a production mix that regularly includes genuinely three-dimensional work.

For three-dimensional workpieces on the Accord 50 FX, standard pod-and-rail suction cups are supplemented with custom fixtures, cast resin holding jigs, and mechanical clamps. Solid wood blanks for sculptural work are typically clamped mechanically using the machine's T-slot table and step clamps, since vacuum cups cannot seal reliably on rough or irregular surfaces. For production quantities of the same 3D form, custom vacuum fixtures are cast from epoxy resin in the shape of the finished part's underside, providing full-surface vacuum contact. SCM's applications team assists in fixture design for complex workholding challenges. Five-axis accessibility means the machine can approach from multiple angles and workpieces typically need less repositioning than equivalent operations on a three-axis machine.

The Accord FX series is SCM's five-axis platform, with the numbers indicating table format and spindle specification — the 50 FX is the largest standard model, the 35 FX is mid-range, and the 30 FX is the compact entry to the FX series. The 50 FX has the longest X-axis travel (up to 4,300 mm vs. shorter on the 35 FX and 30 FX), higher spindle power (12.6 kW vs. lower on smaller models), and larger ATC capacity. All three share the same five-axis spindle concept and Maestro Watch control. The choice between models depends on the maximum workpiece length in the production mix: shops primarily processing up to 2,500 mm parts can use the 30 FX efficiently; shops needing to process longer furniture elements, full-length solid wood components, or large architectural panels require the 50 FX's travel range.