5-Axis CNC Machining Services
Simultaneous 5-axis machining for complex parts in a single setup. Compound angles, deep contours, and multi-face features machined with superior accuracy and surface quality — from 1-piece prototypes to production runs, at competitive China factory pricing.
Free ConsultationMaterials
| Grade | Properties | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum 7075-T6 | Tensile Strength: 572 MPa, Density: 2.81 g/cm³, high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent fatigue resistance, dimensionally stable | Aerospace structural parts, impellers, drone frames, high-performance automotive components |
| Aluminum 6061-T6 | Tensile Strength: 310 MPa, Density: 2.7 g/cm³, excellent machinability, good corrosion resistance, weldable | Housings, brackets, optical mounts, robotics components, fixtures |
| Titanium Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V) | Tensile Strength: 950 MPa, Density: 4.43 g/cm³, excellent strength-to-weight ratio, biocompatible, corrosion resistant | Medical implants, aerospace fittings, turbine components, racing parts |
| Stainless Steel 17-4 PH | Tensile Strength: 1310 MPa (H900), Density: 7.75 g/cm³, precipitation hardenable, high strength with good corrosion resistance | Valve components, surgical instruments, aerospace fixtures, pump shafts |
| Stainless Steel 316L | Tensile Strength: 515 MPa, Density: 7.99 g/cm³, superior corrosion resistance especially to chlorides, marine grade | Marine hardware, medical devices, food processing components |
| Tool Steel (D2 / H13) | Hardness up to 60+ HRC after heat treatment, excellent wear resistance, dimensional stability | Mold components, forming dies, wear plates, precision tooling |
| Engineering Plastics (PEEK, POM, PC) | Lightweight, chemical resistant, electrical insulation, machinable to tight tolerances | Medical instrument housings, insulators, semiconductor fixtures, test sockets |
Process Parameters
| Parameter | Standard Range |
|---|---|
| Machining Type | Simultaneous 5-axis / 4+1 positioning / 3+2 indexed |
| Dimensional Tolerance (Precision) | ±0.01mm to ±0.02mm (critical features) |
| Dimensional Tolerance (Standard) | ±0.02mm to ±0.05mm (general features) |
| Surface Roughness (As-machined) | Ra 0.8μm - 1.6μm (contoured surfaces) |
| Max Part Size (Trunnion Table) | Ø600mm x 400mm height |
| Max Part Weight | 150kg (table load capacity) |
| Min Feature Size | 0.3mm diameter holes, 0.5mm ribs |
| Angular Accuracy | ±0.01° (rotary axis positioning) |
| Geometric Tolerance | Profile, true position, concentricity to 0.02mm |
| Setups Required | Typically 1 (vs. 3-5 for 3-axis on complex parts) |
Surface Finishes
As-Machined (Fine)
High-quality machined finish direct from simultaneous 5-axis toolpaths. Ra 0.8μm achievable on contoured surfaces with ball-nose finishing passes. Fewer setups mean fewer witness lines and blend mismatches.
Anodizing (Type II / Type III)
Electrochemical oxide layer for aluminum parts. Type II: 5-25μm, custom colors. Type III (hard coat): 25-150μm for extreme wear resistance. Ideal for aerospace and consumer-facing components.
Passivation
Chemical treatment for stainless steel and titanium removing free iron and enhancing corrosion resistance. Critical for medical and marine applications. No dimensional change.
Polishing (Mirror/Satin)
Mechanical polishing of complex contoured surfaces. Mirror polish: Ra ≤ 0.1μm. Ideal for medical implants, optical housings, and premium consumer products.
Bead Blasting
Uniform matte texture that hides minor witness marks on multi-face parts. Glass bead or aluminum oxide media. Achieves consistent Ra 1.6μm - 3.2μm cosmetic finish.
Electroplating (Nickel/Chrome)
Metallic coating for enhanced wear resistance and appearance. Uniform coverage on complex geometries verified by thickness mapping. Thickness: 5-25 microns.
Design for Manufacturing (DFM)
- Orient complex features so they can be reached in a single 5-axis setup — this is where the cost and accuracy advantage comes from
- Avoid deep narrow slots that limit tool length and tilt angle; keep depth-to-width ratios below 6:1 even on 5-axis
- Use 5-axis machining to reduce fixtures: fewer clamping operations means less clamp distortion on thin-wall parts
- Keep wall thickness consistent on contoured surfaces to prevent vibration and maintain surface finish quality
- Design fillet radii slightly larger than standard tool radii to allow smooth flowing toolpaths and better finishes
- Specify true position and profile tolerances only on functional features — blanket tight tolerances drive cost
- For impellers and blades, provide the 3D model as the master definition; 2D drawings cannot fully define complex surfaces
- Consider tool access cones: features requiring more than 110° of tilt may need special fixtures or a second setup
- Leave 0.2-0.5mm finishing stock callouts to us — we optimize roughing and finishing strategies internally
- Upload STEP/IGES files for a free DFM report within 24 hours covering setup strategy, tool access, and cost optimization
Tooling & Capacity
| Type | Lead Time | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| Simultaneous 5-Axis Machining Centers | Trunnion table, Ø600mm capacity | Impellers, turbine blades, medical implants, aerospace structural parts, complex housings |
| 3+2 Indexed Machining | Positioning accuracy ±0.01° | Multi-face prismatic parts, manifolds, brackets requiring compound-angle holes |
| Custom Fixtures & Workholding | 1-2 weeks | Production runs 100-10,000 pcs, thin-wall parts, repeat orders with quick changeover |
| 5-Axis CMM Verification | 0.001mm resolution | First article inspection, contoured surface verification against 3D model |
Quality Assurance
- 5-axis CMM inspection with contoured surface scanning verified directly against the 3D CAD model
- First Article Inspection (FAI) report with full dimensional data before production release
- In-process verification of critical angles and compound features at defined checkpoints
- Angular accuracy verification of rotary axes with calibrated reference artifacts
- Surface roughness measurement on contoured surfaces using profilometer
- Material certificates and full traceability for aerospace and medical orders
- Dimensional capability study (Cpk ≥ 1.33) for critical dimensions on production orders
- Batch dimensional report shipped with every production lot
- Calibrated instruments: CMM, micrometers, height gauges, sine bars, angle blocks
- Quality system documented and controlled; third-party inspection (SGS, BV, TUV), CMM reports and EN 10204 3.1 material certificates available on request
Applications
- Aerospace: impellers, turbine blades, structural brackets, actuator housings, satellite components
- Medical: orthopedic implants, surgical instruments, dental abutments, prosthetic components
- Automotive: turbocharger compressor wheels, intake manifolds, motorsport suspension parts
- Optics: sensor housings, camera mounts, laser system components with compound-angle datums
- Robotics: complex joint linkages, end-effector bodies, harmonic drive housings
- Energy: fuel system components, turbine parts, valve bodies with intersecting ports
- Semiconductor: wafer handling components, vacuum chamber parts, test fixtures
- Defense: guidance system housings, optics mounts, weapon system components