B Axis indexing and easy workflow for repetitive cuts 4-axis

[deemoss]

Hi Guys,

I am building a 4-axis CNC router for wood and aluminium. The 4th axis (B-axis) is the swivel head. This is a build for a friend, who will be mainly routing simple shapes on 3 sides on thin-walled aluminium profiles (see attached example). Although I have 3-axis router experience, I am struggling to find an efficient and easy workflow to do repetitive cuts.

I'd like a workflow which is easy to setup for my friend, who is not cnc-proficient. The requirements are:

• Cutting mainly 2-d profiles on 3 sides.

• The profile is to be mounted on the table and the 3 sides to be routed without repositioning the profile.

• The CAM should be easy to use. 3D preview is a bonus.

Creating three, 2D operations (one per side) seems tedious. I am open to use Mach4, Linux CNC or other reasonably priced controller. How is kinematics relevant?

What is the approach you would take?

Cheers!