Five Axis CNC Machining Services

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5 Axis CNC Machining Services for Custom Parts

Manufacture complex, high-precision parts with fewer setups using our 5-axis CNC machining service. From contoured surfaces and angled features to multi-sided precision components, we machine production-grade metal and plastic parts for prototyping, low-volume production, and repeat orders.

• 3+2 & Simultaneous 5-Axis Options
• Tolerances up to ±0.001 inches
• 60+ Production-Grade Materials
• From 5 Business Days

What Is 5-Axis CNC Machining?

5-axis CNC machining is an advanced subtractive manufacturing process that combines three linear axes (X, Y, Z) with two rotary axes. This movement allows the cutting tool or workpiece to approach the part from multiple directions. Compared with conventional 3-axis machining, 5-axis machining improves access to angled surfaces, deep cavities, compound curves, and multi-sided features. It can also reduce the number of setups required to manufacture a part, helping improve positional accuracy and production efficiency.

3+2 Indexed Machining vs. Simultaneous 5-Axis Machining

Process	How It Works	Best For	Main Value
3+2 Indexed Machining	The part is rotated to a fixed angle, then machined using three linear axes.	Angled holes, inclined faces, multi-sided components, prismatic parts.	Efficient access to multiple faces with stable machining conditions.
Simultaneous 5-Axis Machining	All five axes move at the same time during cutting.	Freeform surfaces, impellers, complex contours, deep cavities, highly sculpted components.	Continuous tool orientation for complex geometry and improved surface consistency.

Advantages of 5-Axis CNC Machining

• Machine More Sides in Fewer Setups — Access multiple faces of a part without repeated manual repositioning.
• Create Complex Geometries — Compound angles, contoured surfaces, deep cavities, and complex profiles that are difficult with conventional setups.
• Improve Feature-to-Feature Accuracy — Reducing setup changes controls positional relationships between holes, surfaces, and mating features.
• Material Savings — Efficient toolpaths minimize waste, especially valuable for expensive materials.
• Enhanced Surface Quality on Curved Areas — Continuous tool orientation maintains more consistent cutting conditions.

Materials for 5-Axis Machining

Plastics

Material	Key Properties	Typical Applications
ABS (Beige, Black, Milky White, PC+ABS)	Lightweight, good resistance to heat and impact	Automotive components, functional prototypes, fixtures, enclosures
PC (Black, Transparent, White, PC+GF30 Black)	Transparent, high impact resistance, durable	Protective covers, test fixtures, equipment housings
Acrylic (Black, Transparent, White)	High transparency, weather resistance	Optical lenses, display stands, medical devices
HDPE (Black, White)	Excellent toughness, outstanding chemical & impact resistance	Outdoor equipment, chemical vessel components
POM (Black, Blue, White)	High strength & rigidity, low friction, good dimensional stability	Precision gears, bushings, rollers, mechanical plastic parts
PP (Black, White, PP+GF30 Black)	Low density, high flexural strength, good chemical resistance	Automotive parts, container shells
Nylon (Blue, PA6+GF15 Black, PA6+GF30 Black, PA66 Beige, PA66 Black)	Excellent wear & corrosion resistance, shock absorption	Automotive engine, bushings
PVC (Grey)	Excellent electrical insulation, flame retardancy, low cost	Pipe fittings, valve bodies, insulating junction boxes
Teflon (Black, White)	Outstanding chemical resistance, low friction, wide operating temperature	Gaskets, semiconductor piping fittings
PEEK (Beige, Black)	High temperature resistance, strength, excellent biocompatibility	Aerospace connectors, semiconductor, implantable medical devices

Metals

Material	Key Properties	Typical Applications
Aluminum (6061, 6061-T6, 2024, 5052, 5083, 6063, 6082, 7075, 7075-T6)	Lightweight, excellent machinability	Aerospace, automotive parts, drones
Stainless Steel (SUS303, SUS 304, AISI 304, SUS316, SUS316L, SUS420, SUS430)	Corrosion resistance, high strength & hardness	Medical devices, food processing equipment, marine fasteners
Steel (1018, 1045, 4140, 4130, 8620, A36, 45)	High tensile strength, durability	Automotive industries, gears, construction
Copper (C101/T2, C103/T1, C103/TU2, C110/TU0)	Superior electrical & thermal conductivity, great ductility	Electrical components, heat exchangers
Brass (C27400, H59)	Durable, excellent cutting performance, low friction	Plumbing valves, electronic contact pins
Titanium (TA1, TA2, TC4/Ti-6Al-4V)	Highest strength-to-density ratio, corrosion & fatigue resistance	Human implants, aero-engine blades, marine

Surface Finishing

Finish	Specification	Main Benefits
As Machined	Surface roughness Ra 3.2 μm and Ra 1.6 μm without additional finishing	Faster production time, cost-effective, ideal for parts with strict dimensional tolerances
Anodizing	Type II and Type III, thickness 8–12 μm to 35–50 μm	Improves appearance and performance, various color options
Sand Blasting	Sizes from #120 to #220	Precise and cost-effective; promotes adhesion of coating and painting
Alodine	MIL-DTL-5541 Type 1 & Type 2, thickness 0.00001–0.00004 inches, clear color	Promotes corrosion resistance, paint adhesion, and electrical conductivity
Powder Coating	Thickness 50–150 μm, various color options	Provides protection against rust and corrosion, enhances lifecycle
Heat Treatment	Hardening, tempering, annealing, normalizing; overall hardness 48–62 HRC	Enhanced mechanical properties—hardness, strength, and durability

Applications of 5-Axis CNC Machining

Industry	Typical Parts
Aerospace & Defense	Structural brackets, actuator parts, lightweight housings, flight-control components, complex fixtures
Automotive	Performance components, battery-system fixtures, powertrain prototypes, sensor housings, test equipment
Medical Devices	Surgical instruments, orthopedic components, dental parts, diagnostic-device housings, custom fixtures
Robotics & Industrial Automation	End-effectors, robotic joints, grippers, motor mounts, precision positioning components
Energy & Fluid Systems	Pump components, valve bodies, manifolds, turbine-related parts, fluid-control hardware
Semiconductor & Optics	Precision fixtures, alignment components, vacuum-compatible parts, equipment housings

Design Tips for Efficient 5-Axis Parts

• Use 5-Axis Only When It Adds Value — Not every complex-looking part needs simultaneous 5-axis machining.
• Maintain Tool Access — Avoid enclosed features, inaccessible internal corners, and deep narrow cavities unless essential.
• Add Practical Internal Radii — Sharp internal corners are not achievable with standard rotary cutting tools.
• Consider Material Removal Volume — Designs that require removing a large percentage of stock can be reviewed for cost-saving alternatives.

FAQ

Is 5-axis machining always the best choice?
Not necessarily. While 5-axis machining is highly capable, 3-axis or 4-axis machining may be more economical for simpler parts.

Is 5-axis CNC machining more accurate than 3-axis machining?
For multi-sided or complex parts, 5-axis machining can improve positional relationship between features by reducing setups. Final accuracy still depends on the part design, material, tolerances, tooling, and inspection plan.

Can you machine angled holes and complex curved surfaces?
Yes. 5-axis machining is designed to access inclined features, compound angles, and contoured surfaces that may be difficult to reach in conventional setups.

Will a surface finish affect tight tolerances?
Potentially. Anodizing, plating, powder coating, and other finishes can change surface dimensions. Critical fits and threads should be identified before production.

What materials are compatible with 5-axis machining?
Common options include aluminum, stainless steel, alloy steel, brass, copper, titanium, ABS, POM, PC, PEEK, and PTFE.

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