Lead time
From 3–7 business days depending on complexity
Usinage CNC
5-Axis CNC Machining
One of the most advanced subtractive processes — two rotary axes on top of X/Y/Z for complex geometry in fewer setups.
5-Axis CNC Machining is one of the most advanced subtractive manufacturing technologies in modern precision manufacturing. Building on traditional three-axis systems (X, Y, and Z linear axes), it adds two rotary axes (two of A, B, or C). This lets the cutting tool approach the workpiece from virtually any angle, enabling efficient, high-precision machining of complex shapes.
What is 5-axis CNC machining?
Five-axis machining adds two rotary axes on top of X, Y, and Z. The tool can tilt into undercuts and compound faces, so a blisk, impeller, or medical contour often finishes in one fixture instead of a chain of 3-axis setups.
AIHFABS quotes both 3+2 indexing and true simultaneous 5-axis. Use this page when a 3-axis mill would need many re-clamps, or when the surface itself is the product.
5-axis capabilities
Accuracy and finish below assume a rigid fixture and marked datums.
Typical tolerance
±0.02–0.05 mm on critical features when specified
Capability
3+2 indexed and simultaneous 5-axis
Surface finish
Fine contour finishes; polish/coat optional
Inspection
CMM / optical methods available for key characteristics
5-axis materials
Aluminum and titanium are common. Nickel alloys are reviewed per program.
Aluminum 6061
CNC mill / turn plate and bar
Aluminum 7075
High-strength aerospace aluminum
Stainless Steel 304
General-purpose stainless stock
Stainless Steel 316
Marine-grade stainless
Carbon Steel 1018 / 1045
Traditional mild and medium carbon steel
Brass C360
Free-machining brass
Copper C110
High-conductivity copper
Titanium Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V)
CNC mill titanium billet
Clear Acrylic (PMMA)
Transparent CNC sheet and block
Colored / Frosted Acrylic
Opaque, tinted, and matte PMMA sheet
POM (Delrin / Acetal)
Engineering plastic for CNC
Polycarbonate (PC)
Impact-resistant engineering sheet
5-axis surface finishes
Shorter tools and better engagement usually beat a 3-axis scallop on the same contour.
As machined contour
Visible but even scallops on organic faces. Acceptable on many aerospace internals.
Fine contour pass
Tighter step-over on show surfaces or flow paths before polish or coat.
Polish or coat
Hand or machine polish, then anodize, passivate, or paint when the drawing asks.
How 5-axis compares on AIHFABS
Pay for 5-axis when setups or surface quality dominate. Simple pockets should stay on 3-axis milling.
| Procede | Delai | Tolerance | Tarif |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNC Machining ServicesMetals & plastics | From 1–5 business days depending on complexity and finish | ±0.05 mm standard; tighter on request with drawing callouts | Instant quote · typical prototype from $45 |
| CNC Milling ServicesMetals & plastics | Simple 1–3 days; complex 3–7 days; batch 5–15 days | ±0.01 mm standard; ±0.005 mm high precision | Instant quote · typical prototype from $40 |
| CNC Turning ServicesMetals & plastics | Simple 1–3 days; complex 7–10 days | ±0.01 mm standard; ±0.001–0.002 mm high precision | Instant quote · typical prototype from $35 |
| CNC Routing ServicesPlastics & composites | From 2–4 business days | Medium precision (~±0.025 mm class) | Instant quote · typical panel job from $30 |
| 5-Axis CNC MachiningMetals & plastics | From 3–7 business days depending on complexity | ±0.02–0.05 mm on critical features when specified | Instant quote · typical prototype from $80 |
| Precision Machining ServicesMetals & plastics | From 3–8 business days (complexity dependent) | ±0.005–0.01 mm; Ra 0.4–1.6 μm; CPK ≥ 1.33 | Instant quote · quoted to drawing / inspection grade |
| Large Part CNC MachiningMetals & plastics | Quoted per project (fixturing and logistics driven) | Around ±0.025 mm on critical features; large spans project-dependent | Project quote · fixturing and logistics driven |
| Swiss CNC MachiningMetals & plastics | From 3–7 business days; faster on repeat batches | ±0.005 mm standard; down to ±0.0025 mm when specified | Instant quote · most economical in batch runs |
How we run 5-axis jobs
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Step 1
CAM programmers create simultaneous or 3+2 toolpaths from your solid model.
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Step 2
A single fixture often exposes most faces, minimizing re-clamping.
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Step 3
Shorter tools and better cutter engagement improve finish on contoured surfaces.
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Step 4
In-process or final inspection verifies critical GD&T callouts.
Programmers build simultaneous or 3+2 toolpaths from a clean solid. Tiny unresolved fillets and open surfaces slow the job down.
In-process probes or a final CMM check cover the GD&T you marked. Cosmetic versus functional faces should be obvious.
Advantages and Trade-offs
Advantages
- Machine undercuts, deep cavities, and multi-angle features 3-axis cannot reach
- Finish most complex parts in one setup to cut stack-up error
- Tighter typical accuracy and finer contour surface finishes
- Fewer setups and less non-cutting time on aerospace and medical geometries
Trade-offs
- Hourly rate is higher than 3-axis; simple plates do not benefit.
- Deep, narrow cavities still need tool reach and may stay expensive.
- Programming time is real — one-off art models can cost more in CAM than in chips.
Design guidelines for 5-axis
Give the tool a path. Geometry that a ball mill cannot see still will not cut.
| Feature | Recommended practice |
|---|---|
| Model quality | A closed solid with sane fillets; avoid paper-thin edges and naked surfaces. |
| Face intent | Mark cosmetic vs functional faces so step-over and polish are not guessed. |
| Tool access | Deep slots narrower than the tool still drive cost on 5-axis. |
| Datums | One clear primary datum set beats a chain of 3-axis re-clamps. |
Other CNC processes
CNC Machining Services
CNC machining removes material from solid stock with computer-controlled mills, lathes, and multi-axis centers.
Fiche procede
CNC Milling Services
CNC Milling Services use computer numerical control (CNC) mills to cut workpieces with rotating tools according to programmed toolpaths.
Fiche procede
CNC Turning Services
CNC Turning Services use computer numerical control lathes to remove material while the workpiece rotates at high speed and the cutting tool feeds along a set path.
Fiche procede5-axis CNC FAQ
Do I always need simultaneous 5-axis?
No. 3+2 indexing solves many multi-face parts. Simultaneous motion is for true sculpted surfaces and continuous tool engagement.
What tolerance is realistic?
±0.02–0.05 mm on marked features is a common planning band. Tighter values need a precision review.
Which alloys do you 5-axis machine?
Aluminum, titanium, stainless, and alloy steels are routine. Inconel and similar grades are quoted after a process review.
How long does a 5-axis job take?
Many parts leave in 3–7 business days. Impellers, dense toolpaths, and special finishes run longer.
Can you inspect sculpted surfaces?
Yes — CMM or optical methods against the marked datums and profiles.
5-Axis CNC Machining — engineering review before production
Use these process-specific checks when preparing your model, drawing and quote request. The confirmed quotation and approved drawing define the requirements for your part.
Access is a tool-and-fixture question
Multiple axes can reach angled faces and complex contours, but the cutter, holder and fixture still need clearance. Deep cavities, small internal radii and hidden undercuts can remain difficult. Share the full assembly context when a feature has limited access.
Fewer setups and dimensional relationships
Keeping related features in one setup can reduce datum transfers. Identify those relationships on the drawing instead of requesting 5-axis machining by name alone. The chosen operation should follow the geometry, tolerance and required surface.
Acceptance checklist
Confirm datums, critical geometric relationships, surface texture and the intended inspection method for angled or freeform surfaces. Agree the material condition and finishing sequence before programming.
Besoin de pièces imprimées 3D ou CNC similaires ?
AIHFABS chiffre impression 3D et usinage CNC à partir d’un upload CAO. Comparez SLA, SLS, MJF, SLM, FDM, DLP, fraisage et tournage, puis ajoutez lissage vapeur, teinture, anodisation, polissage ou thermolaquage à la même commande.
Devis instantané
Le devis instantané convient aux prototypes, gabarits, boîtiers et petites séries. Matière, procédé, quantité et délai s’affichent ensemble.
Plusieurs procédés
Matière, procédé, quantité et délai s’affichent ensemble, pour éviter un nouveau tour de mails fournisseurs à chaque modification.
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Téléverser les fichiers
Téléversez STL, STEP et formats CAO courants pour un devis en ligne.
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Comparer les options
Comparez technologies d’impression 3D et options CNC sur la même pièce.
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Matières et finitions
Choisissez polymères ou métaux, puis ajoutez une finition hardware 3D Plus si besoin.
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Confirmer la commande
Vérifiez prix et délai avant paiement, ou demandez un devis manuel.
Si cette page décrit un procédé, un secteur ou une pièce à reproduire, partez de l’upload et alignez technologie et finition sur votre plan.
