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5 Axis Machining

5-Axis CNC Machining Services – Precision CNC Manufacturing Company with 5-Axis Machining Centers Biyou (LATHEPROCESS.COM), as a professional machining factory with many years of experience in CNC manufacturing, is able to provide precision 5-axis CNC machining services and 5-axis milling services. Whether you need high-quality, precision metal or plastic parts, we can provide five-axis machined parts to customers around the world in various industries including automotive, medical, military, aerospace, machinery, machine tools, high-tech, and more. It also has excellent processing and programming capabilities, as well as a 5-axis CNC machining center. Our engineers and machinists can perform true 5-axis machining service work and produce 5-axis machined parts with ease. No matter how complex the CNC machined part is, every step is executed with rigor to deliver superior 5-axis machined parts that demonstrate the highest quality standards. Even if any issues arise along the way, we'll keep running and making adjustments until all issues are resolved. If you need a strong, cost-effective CNC machining company to take over your project, Biyou can meet your expectations.

5-axis machining vs. 3+2 machining

5-axis machining is different from 3+2-axis machining. 5-axis CNC milling or machining involves continuously adjusting the cutting tool along all five axes to keep the tool tip optimally perpendicular to the part. Although 3+2 machining is also called 5-sided machining or 5-axis indexing machining, it is actually a 3-axis program in which the cutting tool is fixed at an angle based on two axes of rotation. 3+2 machining requires stops and starts between each tool repositioning, while 5-axis machining does not, making it significantly faster. In addition, five-axis CNC machining is suitable for more applications due to its greater capabilities. Generally, 3+2 machining is suitable for plane processing and cannot complete bevel or special-shaped processing, while the 5-axis machining center is suitable for various contour and curved surface processing.

5-axis CNC machining of materials

Our extensive experience and capabilities allow us to manufacture 5-axis machined parts in a variety of materials, whether you need metal or plastic precision CNC parts. Check out our 5-axis CNC machining materials chart. If the material you are looking for is not available, please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Materials Common Options Features
Aluminum Al6061
Al7075
Lightweight, strong, corrosion resistance, good thermal conductivity, easy to machine.
Titanium Ti-6Al-4V High strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility
Stainless Steel 316L Good corrosion resistance and durability
Copper Alloys Brass and bronze Electrical and thermal conductivity, ease of cutting
Plastics PMMA, Polycarbonate Versatility, impact resistance, and ease of machining

Surface treatment for 5-axis CNC machining

To achieve the best surface finish on our 5-axis machined parts, various post-processing and surface finishing techniques can be applied.

Surface Finish Description
Bead blasting Small glass beads or other abrasive materials are blasted at the surface of the part to remove burrs and create a uniform and matte finish.
Black oxide coating Immerse the part in a hot oxidizing salt bath to create a black protective layer.
Passivation Treat the part with an acid solution to remove any surface iron and create a protective oxide layer.
Electropolishing Remove a thin layer of material to get a smooth and shiny surface.
Etching Remove a thin layer from the surface to create a textured or patterned surface.
Anodizing Create a protective oxide layer on the surface of a part to improve its resistance to corrosion, wear, and scratches.

Five-axis machining applications and industries

5-axis machining services are versatile and can produce complex and precision components for a wide range of industries and applications.

● Automotive: engine parts, transmissions and suspension systems.

● Aerospace: turbine blades, engine parts and structural components.

● Medical: Implants, surgical instruments and diagnostic equipment.

● Tool and Die Manufacturing: Molds, dies, and other tool components with complex geometries.

● Defense: Weapons systems, vehicles and aircraft.

● Industrial automation: robots, conveyors and machine tools.

● Architecture and art: sculptures, moulds, and intricate decorative elements.

Why choose Biyou 5-axis CNC machining service?

● Our five-axis vertical machining center is equipped with a multi-station tool changer, which eliminates the need to set up on different machines and can achieve five-axis machining of complex parts with high efficiency, saving time and costs.

● Biyou five-axis CNC service has strong capabilities to provide precision machining products based on customer needs and customized designs to meet or exceed your expectations.

● We can use 3/4/5 axis machining centers to machine precision CNC products in a variety of materials including aluminum, steel, copper, bronze, titanium, etc. to meet different specifications.

● Have a complete process and quality control system to conduct quality assessment at each stage of preparation, manufacturing and inspection to ensure that the quality of 5-axis CNC machined parts always meets requirements.

● Provide a range of secondary processing and finishing services for deep processing, including 3/4-axis machining milling, painting, sandblasting, anodizing, passivation, chrome plating, nickel plating, etc.

● Custom 5-axis milled parts with competitive pricing, quick turnaround, increased productivity and on-time delivery.

What is five-axis machining?

The definition of 3-axis, 4-axis or 5-axis machining is related to the number of directions the cutting tool can move, which also determines the CNC machine's ability to move the workpiece and tool. A 3-axis machining center can move the part in the X and Y directions, and the tool can move up and down along the Z axis, while on a 5-axis machining center, the tool can move in the X, Y, and Z linear axes as well as rotate around the A and B axes, The tool can approach the workpiece from any direction and angle. 5-axis machining is different from 5-sided machining. Therefore, 5-axis CNC machining services allow endless possibilities for machining parts. The 5-axis CNC service can complete special processes such as hook surface processing, special-shaped processing, hollow processing, punching, and bevel cutting.

Advantages of 5-axis machining

● 5-axis machining of parts can be completed on a 5-axis machine tool, reducing fixtures and clamping preparation, saving a lot of time

● Complex geometries can be machined easily while ensuring high productivity and efficiency

● Achieve excellent surface finish and improve the overall quality of 5-axis CNC parts

● Expanded functionality, greater accuracy, increased throughput and reduced lead times

● Improve cutting conditions, maintain optimal cutting, and reduce tool damage

5-Axis CNC Machining FAQs

5-axis CNC machine tools use programming instructions to control the movement of cutting tools and workpieces. The machining process begins by creating a 3D CAD model of the required part, which is then exported to CAM software to obtain G-code to guide the operation of the machine. The G-code will contain tool paths generated based on the part geometry. The cutting tool will move along the linear axis and the table along the rotation axis. Five faces of the workpiece can be produced in one setup.

Design and Programming: The first step involves designing the part or assembly using CAD software and then converting it into a CAM program that generates the tool paths to be used.

Material preparation: Select the appropriate material and prepare it for machining, including cutting it into the approximate desired shape and cleaning it.

Mounting: Mounting the material securely to the machine bed or fixture and loading the cutting tool into the spindle. 5-axis machine tools should be programmed using tool paths and machining parameters.

Machining: Start the machine tool, rotate the spindle at high speed, and move the tool along the programmed tool path, cutting away material to form the part.

Inspection: After the five-axis machining is completed, various instruments are used to check the dimensions, surface finish and other specifications of the parts.

Five-axis CNC machine tools can be divided into three major types based on the movement of the spindle head and worktable.

– Head/Head 5-axis machine: The rotating axis is located at the head, this type of 5-axis machine configuration is more suitable for the production of large and heavy parts.

– Head/table five-axis machine tool: one rotation axis in the head and one rotation axis in the turntable. The rotation of the axis in the head is limited, and the rotation range of the rotation axis in the table is wider. There is no limit to the rotation of the workpiece, and there is a limit to the number of parts that can be made.

– Table/table 5-axis machine: both rotary axes are located in the table and the head does not move. This type of configuration is ideal for producing undercuts and less so for large or heavy parts.

In 5-axis CNC machining, the cutting tool can move along five axes of motion. These are usually labeled with the letters A, B, C, X, and Y, but the exact labels may vary depending on the machine manufacturer and the software used.

X-axis: This axis refers to the horizontal movement of the tool along the length of the workpiece.

Y axis: This axis refers to the horizontal movement of the tool along the width of the workpiece.

Z axis: This axis refers to the vertical movement of the tool up and down along the height of the workpiece.

A-axis: This axis refers to the rotation of the cutting tool around the X-axis. This is sometimes called a "tilted" axis.

B axis: This axis refers to the rotation of the tool around the Y axis. This is sometimes called the "rotation" axis.

– Number of axes: A 3-axis CNC machine can move in three axes (X, Y, and Z), while a 5-axis CNC machine can move in five axes (X, Y, Z, A, and B). This additional degree of freedom allows for more complex and precise cuts.

– Flexibility: 5-axis CNC machining offers greater flexibility than 3-axis machining because they can approach the workpiece from any angle and can machine complex geometries in a single setup. This reduces the need for multiple setups and improves accuracy.

– Efficiency: For machining complex parts, 5-axis machining centers are generally more efficient than 3-axis machines. With a 5-axis machine tool, multiple operations can be performed simultaneously, reducing machining time and increasing productivity.

– Accuracy: 5-axis CNC services can produce parts with greater precision and accuracy than 3-axis machines. Additional motion axes allow for more precise control of cutting tools and workpieces, resulting in tighter tolerances and smoother surface finishes.

– Cost: 5-axis CNC machining is generally more expensive than 3-axis machining due to its increased functionality and complexity.