By now, you’ll likely be aware of how much we love CNC (computer numerical control) machines here at Xometry. They’ve made otherwise arduous manual manufacturing processes, like cutting, drilling, and turning, practically effortless via automation. With CNC machining, almost everything is computerized, so these processes are more accurate than manual methods, resulting in higher-quality parts. Most CNC machines are either 3- or 5-axis, and, in this article, we’ll look at their differences and what they’re each good for.
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A 3-axis CNC machine, such as a lathe, mill, or machine tool center, moves its tool (whether it’s a cutter, drill, or mill) along the X (left to right), Y (front to back), and Z (up and down) axes. More specifically, it can move either horizontally (X-Y axes) or vertically (Z axis) to control the cutting depth. This is what a 3-axis CNC machine looks like:
This type of machine can cut and plane to specific depths, depending on the tool used and the material being worked on. Its limited range of motion and the fact that it can’t automatically rotate the workpiece make it best for making simpler parts with straightforward shapes and designs and minimal details. These machines are best for making 2D and 2.5D parts and shorter production runs, and they’re reasonably priced, making them ideal for startups or small to medium-sized businesses.
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As well as left–right, front–back, and up–down, a 5-axis CNC machine has two more movements up its sleeve: it can also rotate its tool around the other two axes (A and B). You can see how the process works in the diagram below.
With a full five-axis range of motion, these machines can work at multiple angles to precisely make complex and intricate parts with smooth surfaces, angles, and contours. They can also perform continuous milling, which saves a lot of time, and don’t need any manual intervention as they rotate the workpiece automatically. These high-tech CNC and milling machines or routers can make turbine blades, molds, and impellers, such as the one in the below image.
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