Manufacturing services · Chapter C · Method 15

3, 4 & 5-axis machining

Extra rotary axes let the cutter reach more faces in one set-up. Essential for complex mould cores and sculpted master patterns.

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Multi-tasking machining centre with a tilting spindle. Representative process photo · Hunini · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Precision-machined parts with multiple machined faces. Representative process photo · Connor Lucock · Pexels

How it works

3, 4 & 5-axis machining, step by step.

A labelled schematic of the process (not to scale), and the four steps every job goes through.

Labelled diagram showing how 3, 4 & 5-axis machining works — Schematic · not to scale. Drawn by TCI Group.

STEP 01

3-axis

X, Y and Z: prismatic parts, one face at a time.

STEP 02

4-axis

Adds rotation about one axis for side features.

STEP 03

5-axis

Two rotary axes: tilted tools reach undercuts.

STEP 04

Single set-up

Fewer re-clamps mean better feature alignment.

Reference figures

What to expect.

Typical industry values to help you plan. We agree the figures for your part on the drawing.

Tolerance±0.13 mm metalsStandard reference

Set-UpsFewerBetter datum control

SurfacesFreeformSculpted and organic

CostHigher per hourLower per complex part

Materials	Aluminium, tool steels, stainless, titanium; tooling board and engineering plastics.
Finishes	Fine finishing passes give smooth freeform surfaces; polishing for mould tools.
Design guidance	Let the toolpath, not the drawing, drive surface finish. Avoid features that need very long, thin tools. State which surfaces are cosmetic.
Best suited to	Mould cores and cavities, impellers, sculpted masters and aerospace parts.
Watch-outs	Programming time is significant for one-offs.

Other methods in CNC machining

Previous: CNC turning Next: Drilling & tapping

Next step

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Send a sketch, photo, sample or CAD file with your quantity and target date. We will recommend the most sensible route and explain the trade-offs before quoting.

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Reference figures are typical published industry values for planning, not a guarantee; final tolerances, materials and finishes are agreed in writing for each project.