5-Axis CNC Machining Service

5-Axis Machining Definition

5-axis machining is an advanced CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining technique used in manufacturing to create highly complex and intricate parts and components. Unlike traditional 3-axis machining, which moves the cutting tool along three linear axes (X, Y, and Z), five-axis machining involves simultaneous movement along five axes: X, Y, Z, and two rotational axes, typically labeled as A and B.

This additional rotational movement allows the cutting tool to approach the workpiece from various angles, enabling the fabrication of complex shapes and features that would be challenging or impossible to achieve with conventional machining methods. 5-axis machining is particularly advantageous for producing parts with intricate curves, undercuts, and compound angles, as it significantly reduces the need for multiple setups and minimizes the risk of errors.

By utilizing 5-axis machining technology, manufacturers can enhance precision, improve surface finish, reduce production time, and optimize material usage. This makes it a highly sought-after solution in industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical, and other applications that demand high-precision and intricate components.

Advantages of 5-Axis CNC Machining Services

5-axis machining is a kind of precision quality machining that has the unique advantage that the milling machine and part can be moved around multiple axes simultaneously in up to 5 ways. Therefore, 5-axis machining enables the cost-effective manufacturing of complex parts.

• Decreasing number of settings.

  If machining needs to be done on multiple surfaces, 3-axis machining requires multiple setups to achieve the desired geometry by manually rotating the workpiece. With a 5-axis machine, fewer setups are required to machine parts with complex geometries.

  
  

• The need for complex fixtures can be avoided.

  In 3-axis machining, it often needs to use complex fixtures to hold the part in the desired orientation. With two additional axes, 5-axis machining enable manufacturers to avoid making these complex fixtures because the workpiece is fixed in one position on the part and rotated to process the geometry.

  
  

• Improve material removal efficiency.

  5-axis machining makes the cutting tool tangent to the cutting surface. As a result, cycle times and costs can be reduced, as the amount of removal of the cutting tool increases with each cut.

  
  

• Excellent surface finish.

  During 3-axis machining, a large number of smaller cuts must be made to manufacture the desired surface finish, which adds to expensive lead times. In contrast, 5-axis machines can produce better surface finishes because they are superior in contour geometry.

When Need to Use 5-axis Machining Services?

Thanks to the additional axes, faces of up to five parts can be machined in just one operation. These qualities make the process very efficient and precise. For these reasons, 5-axis machines are ideal for parts with complex motion and complex geometries that would otherwise require a lot of setup. As part designers create increasingly complex parts, they need to machine at least five different faces, which means that 5-axis machining is increasingly becoming the preferred solution for custom precision machining.

In contrast to traditional 3-axis machining, 5-axis CNC machining allows workpieces to work in five axes instead of just three. While traditional 3-axis machining is still versatile and useful for some projects, 5-axis machining is better for parts that have more complex features. That is, if there is only one flat surface to cut, a 3-axis machine may be the best choice in terms of economy. In addition, 3-axis machines are easier to program, thus eliminating the cost of using professional CNC programmers.