5 Axis CNC Machining Services
XC Machining provides 5 axis CNC machining services for US aerospace, medical device, robotics and industrial buyers. We machine turbine blades, impellers, aerospace structural parts, medical implants and precision housings in one setup, with complex contours, undercuts and compound angles. Choose from 60+ metals and plastics, with tolerances to ±0.0127 mm (±0.0005 in).
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How 5 Axis CNC Machining Reaches Tight Accuracy
5 axis CNC machining positions the cutting tool at any angle to the workpiece. It uses three linear axes (X, Y, Z) plus two rotary axes (A and B). A 3 axis mill needs several setups to reach different faces. A 5 axis machine reaches them in one clamping. That removes re-fixturing error and cuts stacked positioning error, so multi-surface parts hold ±0.0127 mm.
The same setup also improves surface quality. The machine keeps the tool at a good cutting angle along the whole path. Shorter tool overhang reduces vibration and chatter. The result is Ra 0.4 to 0.8 μm straight off the machine, which can remove a secondary polishing step.
These gains make 5 axis CNC machining the usual choice for aerospace turbine parts, medical implants and other parts where precision and finish both count.
What Is 5 Axis CNC Machining?
5 axis CNC machining adds two rotary axes, usually A and B, to the X, Y and Z axes of a standard CNC mill. The tool can reach five sides of the workpiece without re-fixturing. That makes complex shapes possible in a single setup.
XC Machining runs two 5 axis methods. In simultaneous 5 axis machining, all five axes move together during the cut. It suits contoured surfaces such as turbine blades and impellers. In 3+2 machining, also called indexed 5 axis, the two rotary axes lock at fixed angles while the linear axes cut. It suits prismatic multi-face parts such as housings and manifolds. Both methods cut total machining time by 40 to 60 percent against several 3 axis setups.
Engineers in aerospace, medical CNC machining, automotive, robotics and semiconductor work use this capability for titanium, Inconel, cobalt-chrome, aluminum and PEEK parts.
How 5 Axis CNC Machining Works at XC
The machine moves along X, Y and Z, and tilts and rotates on A and B. The tool reaches any angle on the part without re-fixturing, which gives full five-side access.
We clamp the workpiece once and machine all five sides. This cuts setup time by 60 to 80 percent and removes the alignment errors that build up across several 3 axis setups.
CAM software (Mastercam, NX and hyperMILL) builds collision-free toolpaths with set lead and tilt angles. We simulate every move before the first cut, which prevents crashes and keeps the surface smooth.
The CNC controller coordinates all five axes in real time at feed rates up to 15,000 mm/min. That keeps chip load and cutting force steady, so the part machines without vibration to Ra 0.4 μm.
Design Tips for 5 Axis CNC Parts
A few drawing choices decide cost and tolerance on 5 axis parts. Our engineers check these points in every DFM review before we quote.
| Feature | Tip | Why it matters |
| Tool access | Show how a tool reaches each face and deep pocket | Features the tool cannot reach are flagged in DFM |
| Internal corners | Add a corner radius larger than the tool radius | Sharp internal corners need small tools and extra time |
| Wall thickness | Keep walls at 0.3 mm (0.012 in) or thicker, and thicker still on tall walls | Thin walls deflect under the cutter |
| Small features | Keep end mills at 0.1 mm or larger and drills at 0.4 mm or larger | Micro tools break easily and cut slowly |
| Undercuts | Check undercut depth against tool reach | Deep undercuts may need a custom tool or a split part |
| Fixturing | Leave a clamping area or add a sacrificial tab | One good clamp keeps the single setup accurate |
| Datums | Pick datums on faces we can reach in the first setup | It keeps every feature tied to one reference |
| Method choice | Use simultaneous 5 axis for contours and 3+2 for flat multi-face parts | 3+2 usually costs less, so use simultaneous only where needed |
Want a second opinion before you release a drawing? Send it for a free DFM review, and an engineer replies within 12 hours.
5 Axis CNC Tolerances and Part Size Limits
XC Machining holds the tolerances below. 5 axis work reaches tighter tolerances than 3 axis because one setup removes stacked positioning error.
| Feature | Specification |
| Precision tolerance | As tight as ±0.0127 mm (±0.0005 in) |
| Surface finish | Ra 0.4 μm (Ra 16 μin) to Ra 0.8 μm (Ra 32 μin) |
| Minimum wall thickness | 0.3 mm (0.012 in) |
| Minimum end mill size | 0.1 mm (0.004 in) |
| Minimum drill size | 0.4 mm (0.016 in) |
| Maximum part size | 2000 x 1500 x 1000 mm (79 x 59 x 39 in) |
| Minimum part size | 5 x 5 x 5 mm (0.2 in cube) |
| Prototyping | 1 to 100 parts |
| Low volume | 101 to 2,000 parts |
| High volume | Above 2,000 parts |
Seven Technologies Behind Our 5 Axis Machines
Seven technologies work together to hold ±0.0127 mm and Ra 0.4 μm on complex multi-surface parts.
- Advanced CNC control systems: Fanuc and Siemens controllers coordinate all five axes.
- Multi-axis CAM software: Mastercam, NX and hyperMILL build the 5 axis toolpaths.
- High-speed spindle technology: spindles run at 12,000 to 30,000 RPM with HSK tool interfaces.
- Servo motors and precision drives: they position each axis with fine, repeatable steps.
- Tool Center Point (TCP) control: the controller keeps the tool tip on the programmed path while the rotary axes move.
- Collision detection and simulation systems: every toolpath is checked before the first cut.
- Thermal compensation systems: they correct for heat growth so accuracy holds during long runs.
Why Choose XC for Complex 5 Axis Parts
XC Machining provides 5 axis CNC machining services for parts with intricate angles, contoured surfaces, undercuts and multi-face features. One setup cuts total cycle time by 40 to 60 percent against several 3 axis setups and holds ±0.0127 mm on every machined feature. You can also pair it with our CNC milling services for prismatic features on the same job.
5 Axis CNC Prototypes in 5 to 7 Days
XC Machining delivers 5 axis CNC prototypes in 5 to 7 business days in aluminum, titanium, Inconel, PEEK and 55+ other materials. A 5 axis prototype carries the exact contours, undercuts and compound angles of the final design. You avoid the geometry compromises of a 3 axis prototype. Production runs of 100 to 5,000+ parts finish in 10 to 20 business days with full dimensional inspection. Our rapid prototyping page covers other prototype routes.
5 Axis Quality, Equipment and DFM Support
Every 5 axis project follows ISO 9001:2015 procedures. That includes in-process CMM checks, surface roughness measurement and toolpath simulation before the first cut. Our 5 axis department keeps ±0.0127 mm accuracy and supplies full dimensional reports.
We run simultaneous 5 axis machining centers and 3+2 indexed machines. They use Fanuc or Siemens controllers, 12,000 to 30,000 RPM spindles and HSK tool interfaces. Work envelopes reach 2000 x 1500 x 1000 mm for large aerospace and industrial parts.
We machine aluminum 6061 and 7075, titanium Grade 5, Inconel 625 and 718, Hastelloy and cobalt-chrome. We also cut stainless steel 304, 316 and 17-4 PH, carbon steel 4140 and tool steel D2 and H13. Brass, copper, PEEK, Delrin and nylon complete the list.
Our engineers review CAD files for tool access angles, minimum internal corner radii, undercut depth, thin wall deflection and fixturing. We recommend simultaneous 5 axis or 3+2 for each part shape. DFM feedback arrives within 12 hours.
Parts reach Ra 0.4 μm straight off the machine. Added finishes include Type II and Type III anodizing, electropolishing, bead blasting, polishing to Ra 0.05 μm and powder coating. Our surface finishing page lists every option.
Surface Finishes for 5 Axis Machined Parts
We apply these finishes to 5 axis parts for corrosion resistance, wear protection, appearance and functional surface needs.
As machined (Ra 0.4 to 0.8 μm) is the lowest cost option, straight from the machine on contoured and flat surfaces.
Sanding (Ra 0.8 to 1.6 μm) removes tool marks from contoured surfaces and prepares them for anodizing, painting or electropolishing.
Polishing (Ra 0.05 to 0.4 μm) gives a mirror finish on titanium, aluminum and stainless steel parts for aerospace, medical implant and optical uses.
Electropolishing (Ra 0.1 to 0.4 μm) removes 10 to 25 μm from stainless steel and titanium by electrolytic dissolution, per ASTM B912. It improves corrosion resistance.
Brushing (Ra 0.4 to 0.8 μm) gives a directional satin grain on aluminum and stainless steel that cuts glare on instrument panels, housings and brackets.
Anodizing, Type II as standard and Type III hard coat up to 80 μm, protects aluminum aerospace and medical parts, in custom colors.
Vibratory finishing (Ra 0.4 to 0.8 μm) deburrs batches of complex parts to an even edge quality for safe handling and assembly.
Sand blasting gives an even matte texture that hides tool marks and prepares the surface for coating.
Powder coating is a durable colored coat on suitable metal parts.
Electroplating adds nickel, chrome or zinc layers for corrosion resistance and wear surfaces.
Gold plating adds a gold layer on contact surfaces that need conductivity and corrosion resistance.
Materials for 5 Axis CNC Machining
XC Machining machines 60+ metals and engineering plastics on its 5 axis machines. Contoured housings, impellers and structural parts suit them for aerospace, automotive, medical and industrial use. The table lists the 12 material families on our material pages. Each block below covers one family, and a final block covers tool steel and exotic alloys.
| Material | Common grades | Yield (MPa) | Tensile (MPa) |
| Aluminum | 6061-T6, 7075-T6, 2024-T3, 5052-H32, 6082-T6 | 190 to 505 | 230 to 570 |
| Carbon Steel | 1018, 1045, 1060, 12L14, 1095 | 200 to 900 | 350 to 1,100 |
| Stainless Steel | 303, 304, 316, 316L, 17-4 PH | 170 to 1,170 | 485 to 1,310 |
| Titanium | Grade 2, Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V), Grade 23 (Ti-6Al-4V ELI) | 170 to 900 | 240 to 1,000 |
| Brass | C36000, C26000, C28000, C46400 | 75 to 450 | 300 to 600 |
| Copper | C10100, C10200, C11000, C14500 | 50 to 350 | 200 to 400 |
| ABS | General purpose, impact modified, flame retardant | 30 to 50 | 35 to 55 |
| Nylon (PA) | PA6, PA66, PA12, glass filled nylon | 45 to 85 | 50 to 90 |
| Polycarbonate (PC) | General purpose, optical, flame retardant | 55 to 70 | 55 to 75 |
| POM (Delrin) | POM-C, POM-H, Delrin 150, Delrin 500 | 55 to 75 | 60 to 80 |
| PEEK | Unfilled, GF30, CF30, bearing grade | 85 to 110 | 90 to 110 |
| PTFE (Teflon) | Virgin, glass filled, carbon filled, bronze filled | Varies by formulation | 20 to 35 |
Aluminum is light, resists corrosion and machines quickly. It suits aerospace brackets, complex housings, impellers and structural parts. Its strength to weight ratio supports intricate designs. Our aluminum CNC machining page has more detail.
Grades: 6061-T6, 7075-T6, 2024-T3, 5052-H32, 6082-T6
Strength: yield 190 to 505 MPa, tensile 230 to 570 MPa. Color: Silver.
Carbon steel gives strength, toughness and durability. It suits tooling, machine components, mounting brackets and structural parts with angled surfaces and detailed geometry.
Grades: 1018, 1045, 1060, 12L14, 1095. Grade 4140 is also machined.
Strength: yield 200 to 900 MPa, tensile 350 to 1,100 MPa. Color: Metallic gray.
Stainless steel resists corrosion and stays strong. It suits medical equipment parts, marine fittings, valve components and mechanical assemblies that need accurate multi-angle machining. Our stainless steel CNC machining page covers the grades.
Grades: 303, 304, 316, 316L, 17-4 PH
Strength: yield 170 to 1,170 MPa, tensile 485 to 1,310 MPa. Color: Silver gray.
Titanium joins high strength to weight with strong corrosion resistance. It suits aerospace components, medical device parts and high performance assemblies. 5 axis machining cuts intricate contours in these hard alloys with short tool overhang. Our titanium CNC machining page has more detail.
Grades: Grade 2, Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V), Grade 23 (Ti-6Al-4V ELI)
Strength: yield 170 to 900 MPa, tensile 240 to 1,000 MPa. Color: Silver gray.
Brass machines freely, resists corrosion and conducts electricity. It suits valve bodies, complex fittings, electrical components and decorative parts with fine features and angled surfaces.
Grades: C36000, C26000, C28000, C46400
Strength: yield 75 to 450 MPa, tensile 300 to 600 MPa. Color: Golden yellow.
Copper conducts heat and electricity very well. It suits cooling components, conductive assemblies, electrical connectors and heat transfer parts. 5 axis machining cuts intricate outer features and angled channels you can reach with a tool.
Grades: C10100, C10200, C11000, C14500
Strength: yield 50 to 350 MPa, tensile 200 to 400 MPa. Color: Reddish brown.
ABS is a tough, light, low cost plastic with good impact resistance. It suits prototype housings, complex enclosures, ergonomic parts and functional plastic parts with several angled features.
Grades: General purpose, impact modified, flame retardant
Strength: yield 30 to 50 MPa, tensile 35 to 55 MPa. Color: Black, white, natural.
Nylon resists wear, stays tough and runs with low friction. It suits mechanical components, guide parts, fixtures and wear parts that need intricate contours and accurate positioning.
Grades: PA6, PA66, PA12, glass filled nylon
Strength: yield 45 to 85 MPa, tensile 50 to 90 MPa. Color: Natural white, black.
Polycarbonate resists impact, holds its size and is clear in suitable grades. It suits protective housings, equipment covers, inspection parts and precision plastic parts with detailed contours.
Grades: General purpose, optical, flame retardant
Strength: yield 55 to 70 MPa, tensile 55 to 75 MPa. Color: Transparent, white, black.
POM holds its size, runs with low friction and resists wear. It suits gears, precision housings, guide components and intricate parts that need accurate multi-surface machining.
Grades: POM-C, POM-H, Delrin 150, Delrin 500
Strength: yield 55 to 75 MPa, tensile 60 to 80 MPa. Color: Natural white, black.
PEEK is a high performance plastic with strong heat resistance, chemical stability and strength. It suits aerospace components, medical equipment parts, precision fixtures and industrial parts with demanding shapes.
Grades: Unfilled, GF30, CF30, bearing grade
Strength: yield 85 to 110 MPa, tensile 90 to 110 MPa. Color: Natural beige, black.
PTFE resists chemicals, has extremely low friction and handles heat well. It suits seals, valve components, insulating parts and chemical resistant parts with several angled features.
Grades: Virgin, glass filled, carbon filled, bronze filled
Strength: yield varies by formulation and test method, tensile 20 to 35 MPa. Color: White, black.
Tool Steel and Exotic Alloys
5 axis machining suits difficult materials such as Inconel and titanium. Short tool overhang and good cutting angles limit tool deflection and extend tool life.
Tool steel grades are A2, D2, O1 and H13. Exotic alloys are Inconel 625, Inconel 718, Hastelloy and Monel. Plastics also include UHMW, and copper is available as C110. Our materials page lists all 60+ options.
6061, 7075, 2024, 5052
303, 304, 316, 17-4 PH
1018, 1045, 4140, 12L14
Grade 2, Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V)
C360 (Free-Cutting Brass), C464 (Naval Brass)
A2, D2, O1, H13
C110 (Electrolytic Tough Pitch Copper)
ABS, Nylon (PA), PEEK, Delrin (Acetal), PTFE, UHMW
Inconel 625, Inconel 718, Hastelloy, Monel
Our 5-Axis CNC Machining Services Prototype Manufacturing Capabilities
Provides injection molding for prototypes and custom parts, emphasizing expert support, competitive pricing, and faster production cycles.
Get reliable vacuum casting services for high-quality prototypes and production parts at competitive prices. XC Machining offers highly detailed casting parts with consistent quality.
Uses cutting, bending, and forming techniques to produce precision metal components suited for industrial, commercial, and manufacturing applications.
Specialist Industries
Bring Your Designs to Life with XC Machining
Experience precision engineering with XC Machining. From detailed prototypes to high-volume production, we’re here to turn your concepts into reality. Contact us today to discuss your project needs!
- 50+ CNC machines in-house
- 60+ materials in stock
- 120+ countries shipped
- 15+ DFM engineers on staff
- All uploads are secure and confidential
5 Axis CNC Machining FAQs
How much does 5 axis CNC machining cost?
Cost depends on material, part complexity, tolerance and quantity. Titanium and Inconel cost more than aluminum. Tighter tolerances add inspection time. XC Machining gives project-based quotes with material, machining, finishing and shipping listed separately. Hourly rates run higher than 3 axis, but fewer setups and shorter cycles can make 5 axis cheaper per part.
When should you choose 5 axis over 3 axis?
Choose 5 axis for contoured surfaces that need simultaneous tool motion, such as blades and impellers. Choose it when five or more faces need machining, or when undercuts block 3 axis access. It also fits tolerances below ±0.025 mm and jobs where one setup replaces four to six. Our engineers confirm the choice in DFM review.
What is the difference between 5 axis and 3 axis CNC machining?
A 3 axis machine moves the tool along X, Y and Z. It suits prismatic parts with pockets, slots and flat faces. A 5 axis machine adds A and B axes, so the tool reaches any surface angle in one clamping. That cuts setups from four to six down to one and removes re-fixturing error. XC Machining offers both.
What is 5 axis CNC machining?
5 axis CNC machining controls three linear axes (X, Y, Z) and two rotary axes (A and B). The tool sits at any angle to the part. It produces contoured surfaces, undercuts and compound angles in one setup. XC Machining uses simultaneous 5 axis for sculpted surfaces and 3+2 indexed positioning for multi-face prismatic parts.
How does a 5 axis CNC machine work step by step?
First, CAM software builds collision-checked toolpaths from your STEP or IGES file. Second, the G-code loads into the Fanuc or Siemens controller. Third, we clamp the part once. Fourth, the controller moves X, Y, Z, A and B together at up to 15,000 mm/min. Fifth, in-process measurement checks critical dimensions, and the part finishes in one setup.
What tolerances can 5 axis CNC machining achieve?
XC Machining holds ±0.0127 mm (±0.0005 in) on critical dimensions. The result depends on material, feature size and part shape, and aluminum is more stable than titanium. We inspect every 5 axis part on a CMM to GD&T standards and supply full dimensional reports. Tighter features to ±0.005 mm are possible on request.
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