CNC milling machines are classified according to the number of axes they operate on, which determines the characteristics of the parts that can be manufactured and also affects production efficiency and accuracy. Generally speaking, the more degrees of freedom available, the more complex geometric shapes can be produced. The most common are 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis milling machines. What is the difference between 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis in CNC machining? What are their respective advantages? What products are they suitable for processing?

3-axis CNC machining generally refers to three axes that move linearly in different directions, such as up and down, front and back, and left and right. 3-axis milling cutters are commonly used for drilling and tapping, but can only be used along the Z-axis, making them more suitable for machining disc type parts. This is a limitation for many parts that require machining holes or grooves on multiple surfaces.

4-axis CNC machining is the addition of a fourth axis to the motion of the cutting tool, allowing rotation around the x-axis, which means there are four axes - x-axis, y-axis, z-axis, and a-axis (rotating around the x-axis). Most 4-axis CNC machine tools also allow the workpiece to rotate, which is known as the b-axis, allowing the machine tool to function as both a milling machine and a lathe.

If you need to drill holes on the side of a part or on the surface of a cylinder, 4-axis CNC machining is the best choice. It greatly accelerates the machining process and has high machining accuracy.

5-axis CNC machining involves adding an additional rotating axis on top of the 4-axis, typically a 360 ° vertical rotation. 5-axis machining is already capable of comprehensive machining and can achieve one-time clamping, reducing clamping costs and minimizing product scratches and dents. Due to its high versatility, 5-axis CNC machining is used for manufacturing complex precision parts. For example, medical components such as artificial prostheses or bones, aerospace components, titanium components, oil and gas machinery components, military products, etc.

Although 5-axis has significant advantages over 4-axis and 3-axis machining, not all products are suitable for 5-axis machining. Products that are suitable for 3-axis machining may not necessarily be suitable for 5-axis machining. If products that could originally be machined with 3-axis are machined with 5-axis machining, it will not only increase costs, but also the effect may not be good.