5 AXIS MALLING

5-Axis machines are the most advanced CNC (computer numeric controlled) milling machines, adding two more axes in addition to the three normal axes (XYZ). 5-Axis milling machines also have a B and C axis, allowing the horizontally mounted workpiece to be rotated, essentially allowing asymmetric and eccentric turning. The fifth axis controls the tilt of the tool itself. When all of these axes are used in conjunction with each other, a competent and experienced machinist can produce extremely complicated geometries with very high precision.

Many industries today, especially the high-tech, precision-dependent worlds of optical equipment, medical devices, satellites, aircraft, and aerospace, are turning to 5-Axis machining as a means to speed manufacturing ability and increase repeatable accuracy. The ability to machine complex shapes, undercuts and difficult angles in a single setup reduces tooling cost and labor time, resulting in much better precision along with lower cost per part and the ability to maintain parts conformity throughout the part run and in future runs.