5-Axis Machining Centers

5-Axis machines are advanced computer numerical control (CNC) machines that allow cutting tools to move simultaneously around five axes (sides) of an object or part for high-precision, intricate cutting and shaping.

5-Axis machine tools can perform intricate cuts and navigate multiple complex angles effectively and efficiently without sacrificing speed or accuracy. With the ability to tilt, rotate, and position the workpiece in various orientations to access five sides of a workpiece, they are more versatile, precise, and efficient than lower-axis machines.

The five axes of a 5-axis CNC machine are X, Y, Z (linear) and A and B (rotational). Understanding the unique function of each allows machinists to unlock the full potential and capabilities of the machine. In many machines, the X-axis moves left to right and is most useful for basic linear cuts. The Y-axis moves front to back perpendicular to the X-axis, making a two-dimensional plane that produces intricate profiles and features that are essential for complex parts. Moving up and down, the Z-axis helps control the depth of cuts. For applications where objects need to be sloped or undercut, the A- and B-axes can tilt at various angles to tackle the most intricate geometries and sophisticated machining processes.

5-Axis machines are highly precise and can produce parts with tight tolerances and complex geometries. Working on a 5-axis machine minimizes setups, allows for faster cycle times, produces less scrap, and increases spindle uptime. 5-Axis machines can make any shop run more efficiently, regardless of size or production.

A 4-axis machine can access four sides of an object by moving in the X, Y, and Z directions, along with rotating around the X-axis (A-axis). Suitable for less complicated applications, a 4-axis machine is limited in handling complex angles or intricate shapes. A 5-axis machine can work on five sides of a workpiece simultaneously by moving in the X, Y, and Z directions, plus rotating around both the X-axis (A-axis) and Y-axis (B-axis). The additional rotational axes make the 5-axis a more versatile product, allowing for more precise and intricate cuts even with complex geometries and tight angles.

5-Axis machines are incredibly versatile and can create a wide range of complex parts and components for industries such as aerospace, medical equipment, and oil and gas. Examples include turbine blades, propellers, engine components, and orthopedic implants.

Approximately 15% of a machine’s total cost is in its initial purchase price, with the balance of 85% being realized over the lifetime of its operational costs. It’s important to consider more than the initial upfront cost and weigh the return on investment from a new machine with enhanced capabilities and features for better performance, less downtime, and higher quality products.

Learning to operate a 5-axis machine may require some additional training. For machinists with experience using 3-axis and 4-axis machines, many of the concepts and functions are the same or very similar, so the learning curve is typically not very steep. Previous familiarity with CNC programming, tooling, and setup processes will also ease the transition to a 5-axis machine. Using a high quality 5-axis CAD/CAM programming software can help simplify the process.

The tolerance of a 5-axis machine depends on the machine's quality, the materials being machined, and the specific operations involved. On average, high-quality 5-axis machines can achieve tolerances of around ±0.005 to ±0.010 inches (0.127 to 0.254 mm) for most applications. For more demanding applications, such as in aerospace or medical manufacturing, tolerances can be tightened to ±0.001 to ±0.002 inches (0.025 to 0.051 mm). Advanced machines in controlled environments can reach tolerances as tight as ±0.0001 inches (0.0025 mm).