The Ultimate Guide to 5-Axis CNC Machining
5-Axis CNC machining is a method of CNC machining which is more precise and flexible due to the fact that it allows the tools involved in the machining process to move simultaneously along five different axes. 5-Axis CNC machining not only includes the three axes present in 3-Axis CNC machining (X, Y, and Z) but also an additional two rotational axes, which allow the tools to swivel and tilt around the component being machined, through multiple angles.
This means that more complex geometries can be machined, whilst removing the need to have multiple machine set ups whilst you reorientate the component. This reduces the overall production time needed to machine these complex components which, in turn, increases productivity and profitability, as more components can be machined in a shorter time frame. Another advantage of machining using a 5-axis CNC is that it provides a higher quality surface finish compared to its 3-axis counterparts, as well as increased factory floor space utilisation, meaning that you can machine higher quality components faster, and using less space, as other machines can be removed as they become superfluous.
5-axis CNC Machining is utilised by a variety of industries. For example, it is used heavily in the aerospace industry due to the repeatability of the process. Further, 5-axis machining is preferred in the aerospace industry as it allows for complex geometries of aerospace components to be manufactured without the need for the part to be re-fixtured and re-orientated time and time again. CNC Machining is also utilised heavily in the automotive industry, as any part manufactured for this sector needs to fit within a specific tolerance every time. 5-axis CNC machining is used in the medical industry as well, as it allows for the manufacture of components with organic shapes from exotic materials, including materials which are safe for human implantation. Additionally, 5-axis CNC machining is utilised in the industrial sector in order to support general CNC machining, by manufacturing specialised tools, moulds and other items with complex geometries.
About Standish Engineering
Standish Engineering has extensive experience in manufacturing parts for a wide range of diverse and demanding specialist industries, including engineering precision parts for the NHS, as well as the UK railway network, and the Oil & Gas industry. For over 70 years, Standish Engineering has been at the forefront of offering the very best in manufacturing capability.
Our capacity includes CNC Chuck Lathes up to 450mm in diameter and 1000mm long, as well as CNC Bar Fed Twin Turret and Twin Spindle Lathes up to 65mm diameter and 450mm length, as well as several CNC 5-axis machining centres. The majority of parts are machined in stainless steel and aluminium, but we have significant experience in machining exotic alloys such as Super Duplex, Inconel®, Monel® and Hastelloy.
Our facilities also have capabilities for a wide array of post-production treatments, including magnetic particle inspection, liquid penetrant inspection, coded welding & assembly, and much more. The quality of your precision- engineered parts is of the utmost importance to us, which is why we ensure that our quality management system complies with the ISO 9001:2015 and industry standards, including ISO Cert and RISQS cert.
Contact the CNC manufacturing experts today at info@cnc-machining.co.uk