5-axis CNC Machining Services

How It Works: The Data-Powered Manufacturing Process

Design & Programming: Create a 3D model of the part using CAD software, then convert it into a machine-readable G-code program via CAM software, defining the 5-axis movement paths and cutting parameters.

Workpiece Setup & Fixturing: Secure the raw material onto the machine’s worktable with appropriate fixtures, ensuring stability and alignment to avoid displacement during multi-axis cutting.

Tool Selection & Loading: Choose cutting tools matching the workpiece material (e.g., carbide end mills for metals, diamond tools for composites) and load them into the machine’s tool magazine.

Machine Calibration & Simulation: Calibrate the machine’s axes to ensure precision, then run a virtual simulation of the machining process to check for tool collisions or path errors.

Multi-Axis Machining Execution: Start the machine; the cutting tool and workpiece move simultaneously along X, Y, Z linear axes plus two rotary axes, shaping complex geometries in a single setup.

Post-Machining Inspection: Unload the finished part and perform dimensional inspection with tools like CMMs (Coordinate Measuring Machines) to verify compliance with design specifications.

Mechanical Structure of 5-axis CNC Machine

A. Two rotating coordinates directly control the direction of the tool axis (Double Swing Head Type)

B. Two coordinate axes are at the top of the tool, but the rotating axis is not perpendicular to the linear axis (Pitch Type Swing Head Type)

C. The two rotating coordinates directly control the rotation of the space (Double Turntable Form)

D. the two coordinate axes are on the worktable, but the rotating axis is not perpendicular to the linear axis (Pitching Worktable Type)

E. The two rotating coordinates act on the tool one at a time Up, one acting on the products. (One Swing and One Revolving Form)

5-Axis CNC Machining Principle

1. 5-axis machining enables simultaneous movement of the cutting tool or workpiece along three linear axes (X, Y, Z) and two rotary axes, allowing access to complex part geometries from multiple angles in a single setup.

2. By eliminating the need for repeated re-fixturing, this technology minimizes positioning errors and significantly improves the dimensional accuracy and surface finish of machined components.

3. CAM software generates precise toolpath instructions based on 3D part models, coordinating the synchronized motion of all five axes to achieve efficient and high-quality machining of intricate parts.

Core Advantages: Why It’s Choosen as the Best Machining Process now?

Suitable for processing complex and irregular parts: Widely used in aerospace, shipbuilding, mold and other processing industries as they can process complex parts that are difficult or almost impossible to process with ordinary machining centers.

High machining accuracy: Perform complete dimensional analysis of materials through five axis positioning machining.

Stability: Realize computer mastery, eliminate human error, ensure good consistency in part processing, and ensure stable and reliable quality.

High flexibility: When the processing object changes, it is generally only necessary to change the CNC sequence, demonstrating good adaptability and greatly saving production preparation time.

High productivity: The productivity of the five axis machining center is high, generally 3-5 times that of a regular machining center, and can handle the processing of certain complex parts.

Why choose us for 5-axis CNC Machining?

1. High Precision for Complex Geometries

A core advantage of ANXIN’s 5-axis machining is its exceptional precision in handling intricate part designs. By enabling simultaneous movement across five axes, we eliminate errors from repeated re-fixturing and achieve tight tolerances, ensuring consistent quality for complex contours, undercuts, and free-form surfaces critical for aerospace, medical, and automotive components.

2. Versatile Material & Application Capability

ANXIN’s 5-axis machining services support a wide range of materials, from aluminum alloys and titanium to composites and engineering plastics. Our technology adapts seamlessly to both small-batch custom parts and high-volume production, meeting diverse industry needs—whether for lightweight automotive components, biocompatible medical implants, or high-strength aerospace parts.

3. Enhanced Efficiency & Cost Savings

We optimize production efficiency by reducing setup times by over 60% compared to traditional 3-axis machining. With fewer clamping steps, shorter cycle times, and minimized tool wear via optimized cutting paths, we lower operational costs while accelerating lead times, ensuring timely delivery without compromising quality.

4. Expert Technical Support & Customization

ANXIN’s team of skilled engineers provides end-to-end support, from CAM programming to post-machining inspection. We tailor machining strategies to your unique project specifications, leveraging years of experience in optimizing toolpaths and processes to turn complex design concepts into high-quality, production-ready parts.

What Materials Can Be Selected for 5-Axis Machining?

5-axis machining is renowned for its versatility in processing a wide spectrum of materials, catering to the demands of industries like aerospace, automotive, mold-making, and medical device manufacturing.

- Aerospace Alloys: Materials such as titanium alloys (e.g., Ti-6Al-4V) and nickel-based superalloys (e.g., Inconel) are ideal for 5-axis machining. The technology’s multi-directional cutting capability handles their high strength and heat resistance, enabling the precise shaping of complex aerospace components like turbine blades and structural parts.

- Engineering Metals: Common metals including aluminum alloys, stainless steel, and mold steel are widely processed via 5-axis machining. Aluminum alloys benefit from the method’s high-efficiency cutting for lightweight, high-precision parts; stainless steel is shaped into corrosion-resistant components; mold steel is machined into intricate molds with smooth surfaces.

- Engineering Plastics: Materials like PEEK, nylon, and polycarbonate are suitable for 5-axis machining. The process ensures minimal deformation during cutting, making it perfect for manufacturing precision plastic parts used in medical devices and electronic equipment.

- Composite Materials: Advanced composites such as carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP) are well-adapted to 5-axis machining. Its ability to cut at various angles prevents delamination, ensuring the integrity of composite components applied in aerospace and high-performance automotive fields.

5-axis CNC Machining Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)