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5 axis CNC Machining

What is 5-Axis CNC Machining?

5-Axis CNC Machining is an advanced form of CNC machining where the cutting tool can move along five axes simultaneously, as opposed to the traditional three. In addition to moving up and down, side to side, and back and forth, 5-axis machines can also rotate on two additional axes. This added flexibility allows the cutting tool to approach the workpiece from a greater number of angles, enabling the creation of highly complex shapes. This process reduces the need for multiple setups, significantly increasing efficiency and speed.

5-axis CNC machining manufacturing shop

Key Features of 5-Axis CNC Machining

★ Complex Geometries: 5-axis CNC machining allows the creation of intricate designs and shapes from any angle, reducing the need for multiple setups.

Enhanced Accuracy: Minimizes handling errors associated with multiple setups, improving the overall accuracy of the finished product.

Improved Surface: Finish Maintains an optimal tool angle relative to the surface, enhancing surface finish quality and reducing the need for secondary operations.

Increased Productivity: Combines multiple setups into a single setup, significantly reducing production time.

Experience and Expertise: With two decade of experience, ZUERST handles complex parts with precision and delivers high-quality components across various industries.

Comparative Analysis: 5-Axis versus 3+2 Axis CNC Machining
5-axis CNC machining and 3+2 axis CNC machining offer complex, multi-angle machining capabilities, but they differ in their operational characteristics and final output.
Simultaneous 5-axis
In 5-axis machining, the cutting tool moves across X, Y, and Z axes and rotates on A and B axes, allowing complex geometries to be machined in a single setup. Simultaneous 5-axis machining continuously adjusts movement on all five axes without pause, enabling the cutting tool to approach the workpiece from any direction. This method significantly reduces production time, increases efficiency, and enhances the accuracy and consistency of intricate parts by eliminating breaks between tool passes.
3+2-axis
In 3+2-axis machining, the machine operates on X, Y, and Z axes like a traditional 3-axis machine, with two additional rotational axes that reposition the workpiece between machining operations. Unlike simultaneous 5-axis machining, where all axes move continuously, 3+2-axis machining can be slower but offers benefits like increased rigidity and longer tool life. It still allows for complex geometries and reduces the need for multiple setups, though it is typically less efficient for highly intricate designs.
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Materials for CNC Machining Parts

Zuerst offers a wide variety of materials for custom CNC machining,  plastic, and metal,

including but not limited to:

CNC Metals
Aluminum
Stainless Steel
Alloy Steel
Tool Steel
Brass
Copper
Titanium
Magnesium

Aluminum

Aluminum: Aluminum’s strength-to-weight ratio, affordability, and recyclability have made it widely used across industries worldwide.

Alloys: 6061-T6, 7075-T6, 2024, 5052, 6060, 5083, 2017, 6082

Finishing Options: Alodine,  Anodizing Types II, III, III + PTFE, ENP, Media Blasting, Nickel Plating, Powder Coating, Tumble Polishing

stainless steel

Stainless steel: Stainless steel’s corrosion resistance and ductility make it ideal for long-term exposure to elements and easy shaping into different forms

Finishing Options: As machined, Bead Blasted, Polishing, Decorative Chrome Plating, Powder Coat, Nickel Plating, Gold Plating, Silver Plating

Alloys: SS303, Stainless Steel 304/304L, Stainless Steel 316/316L, Stainless Steel 17-4, Stainless Steel 416, etc.

Alloy steel

Alloy Steel: Alloy steel is steel mixed with elements like manganese, nickel, and chromium to enhance its strength, hardness, corrosion resistance, and durability, tailored to meet specific application needs.

Alloy: AISI 1215, AISI 4140, AISI 4340, AISI 8620, AISI 4130

Finishing Option: Polishing, Plating, Painting, Powder Coating and etc.

Tool Steel
Tool Steel: Tool steel is a type of high-carbon and high-alloy steel that is specifically designed to be used in the manufacture of cutting tools, dies, and molds. It is valued for its high hardness, wear resistance, and toughness, which make it suitable for applications where the tool is subjected to repeated impacts or stresses.
Alloy: A2 Tool Steel, D2 Tool Steel, O1 Tool Steel, S7 Tool Steel, M2 Tool Steel
Finishing Option: Bead/Sand Blast, Polishing, Plating, Painting, Powder Coating, Heat Treatment and etc.
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Brass
Brass: Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, especially metal material with more than 20% zinc content, which is the most commonly used metal material in cnc machining
Finishing Options: Nickel Plating, Bead Blasted, Gold Plating, Silver Plating
Alloy: C360, C260
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Copper

Copper: Copper is a soft, malleable metal with excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, making it an essential material in many industries.

Grade: C10100, C11000, C12200, C14500, C17200 

Finishing Option: Plating, Polishing

Titanium

Titanium:Titanium has a low density and high strength, making it ideal for applications that require a strong yet lightweight material, such as aerospace, automotive, and biomedical industries. It is also highly resistant to corrosion and can withstand exposure to many chemicals and environments

Alloy: Ti-6Al-4V, Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo, Ti-3Al-2.5V

Finishing Option: Polishing, Anodizing, Sandblasting, Chemical etching, Laser engraving and etc.

Magnesium

Titanium: Magnesium is a versatile and lightweight metal with a silvery-white appearance, known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, and widespread use in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and healthcare.

Alloy: AZ31B, AZ91D, We43, AM60B, ZK60A, QE22

Finishing Option: Blasting, Anodizing, Chromate Conversion Coating, Passivation, Powder Coating, Electroplating etc.

CNC plastic

POM ( Delrin/Acetal )
PMMA ( Acrylic )
PEEK
ABS
Nylon ( PA )
PTFE ( Teflon )
PVC
PEI ( Ultem )
PAI ( Torlon )

POM(Delrin/Acetal)

POM (Delrin/Acetal): High stiffness, good moisture resistance, high wear-resistance, and low friction, easy to machine

Color: White, black, brown

Grade: POM-C, POM-H, UV stabilized POM, Food-Grade POM

PMMA(Acrylic)

PMMA: PMMA is commonly known by the trade name “acrylic” or “plexiglass”. It is a lightweight and shatter-resistant material that is often used as a glass substitute in applications such as skylights, displays, signage, and lenses

Color:  Transparency

Grade: Extruded PMMA, Cast PMMA, Impact-Modified PMMA, UV-Stabilized PMMA, Heat-Resistant PMMA

PEEK

PEEK: PEEK is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic with excellent mechanical, chemical, and thermal properties, short for Polyether Ether Ketone

Color: Beige with no transparency

Grade: Unfilled PEEK, 30% glass-fiber reinforced PEEK, 30% carbon-fiber-reinforced PEEK, Bearing Grade PEEK

ABS

ABS: ABS is tough, rigid, and lightweight, making it an excellent material for use in applications such as automotive parts, toys, electronic housings, and consumer goods. It is also resistant to impact, chemicals, and heat, making it a popular choice for use in harsh environments

Color: ABS is naturally opaque and comes in a range of colors including black, white, and gray

Grade: General purpose ABS, Flame retardant ABS, High impact ABS, Heat-resistant ABS

nylon(PA)

Nylon: Nylon is a strong, durable, and elastic material that is commonly used in textiles like clothing and ropes. Its resistance to abrasion, chemicals, and moisture makes it popular for industrial applications, such as gears, bearings, and automotive components

Color: Nylon is often used in its natural off-white or slightly yellowish color

Grade: Nylon 6, Nylon 6/6, Nylon 11, Nylon 12

PTFE(Teflon)

PTFE: PTFE(Teflon) is a high-performance plastic material known for its exceptional chemical resistance, low friction coefficient, and high-temperature resistance

Color: The color of PTFE is typically white or off-white

PVC
PVC
PVC: PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride, which is a synthetic thermoplastic polymer that is widely used in various applications. PVC is a versatile material that can be rigid or flexible

Color: clear or opaque

Grade: UPVC, PPVC, CPVC
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PEI(Ultem)
PEI: PEI has excellent mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties, as well as good chemical resistance

Color: Amber or brownish color

Grade: Unfilled PEI, Glass-Filled PEI, Carbon-Filled PEI, Ultem PEI
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PAI(Torlon)
PAI: or Torlon Polyamide-imide, is a type of thermoplastic polymer that is known for its excellent mechanical properties that it maintains over a wide range of temperatures.

Color: Yellow

Grade: Torlon4203, Torlon4503, Torlon4301,Torlon4501
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5-Axis CNC Machining Capabilities
Simultaneous 5-Axis Machining
Our simultaneous 5-axis machining allows the cutting tool to move along five different axes at the same time. This capability enables us to create complex and intricate parts with high precision and minimal setups, reducing production time and increasing efficiency.
Trunnion-Style 5-Axis Machines
Trunnion-style machines feature a moving table that adjusts the angle of the workpiece, allowing the cutting tool to approach from different angles. This configuration offers better undercut access, effective removal of heavy materials, and a larger overall work volume.
Swivel-Rotate-Style 5-Axis Machines
Swivel-rotate-style machines have a rotating spindle that adds a B-axis and C-axis, enabling the cutting tool to hit the material from various angles. This style is ideal for handling heavy parts since the table remains stationary and allows the use of shorter cutting tools, reducing chatter and increasing accuracy.
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Can 5-axis machining provide tight tolerance?
Yes, 5-axis CNC machining is renowned for its ability to achieve exceptionally tight tolerances. It can typically maintain precision within ±0.005 mm. This high level of accuracy is due to the machine’s capability to access five sides of a part in a single setup, reducing the number of setups required and minimizing errors associated with repositioning. The simultaneous movement along five axes allows for closer tool paths, ensuring precise adherence to design specifications, especially for complex geometries.
2
When should I choose 5-axis CNC machining?
Opt for 5-axis CNC machining when manufacturing parts with complex geometries, intricate details, or when high precision is critical. This technology is ideal for parts that require machining from multiple sides in a single setup or where multiple tool angles are necessary to achieve the design. Industries such as aerospace, medical, and automotive, where the geometrical complexities and tight tolerances are common, significantly benefit from 5-axis machining. It is also preferable when aiming to reduce lead times and improve surface finishes without compromising on detail.
3
What’s the difference between 5-axis machining and 3-aixs machining?
The main difference between 5-axis and 3-axis machining lies in their respective capabilities and the complexity of parts they can handle. 3-axis machining operates along three axes (X, Y, and Z), suitable for parts with relatively simple geometries. It typically requires multiple setups and repositioning to reach all sides of the part. Conversely, 5-axis machining adds two additional rotational axes, allowing the cutting tool to approach the part from virtually any direction. This capability makes it ideal for complex shapes, reducing setup times and improving precision by minimizing handling.
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How does a 5-axis CNC machine work?
A 5-axis CNC machine operates by allowing the cutting tool or part to move in five different directions: along the X, Y, and Z axes, and rotating around the A and B axes. This capability allows for machining complex geometries without needing multiple setups or repositioning, which reduces human error and increases accuracy. The machine’s advanced software ensures precise control over every movement.
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What is the tolerance of 5 axis CNC machining?
ZUERST's 5-axis CNC machining can achieve extremely tight tolerances, often tighter than ±0.001 inches, depending on the material and part complexity. Their advanced machines and strict inspection processes ensure parts are manufactured according to your design specifications and GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) requirements, delivering precise, high-quality components.

Why Choose ZUERST?

Experience and Expertise With over a decade of experience in CNC turning, ZUERST brings unparalleled expertise to every project. Our skilled team utilizes advanced technology to deliver precise and high-quality components, ensuring your project's success. Quality and Certifications We are committed to maintaining the highest quality standards. ZUERST is ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D certified, guaranteeing reliable and consistent production outcomes that meet industry requirements.

Customer Support Our dedicated customer support team is available 24/7 to assist you. Whether you need technical guidance or have specific project inquiries, our experts are here to provide timely and effective solutions, ensuring a smooth and efficient process from start to finish.

Get Started

Ready to begin your CNC turning project with ZUERST? Request a quote or contact us for more information. Simply upload your CAD files to receive instant feedback and pricing. Our team is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring precision and efficiency for all your CNC turning needs.

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