5 Axis CNC Machining Centers

5 Axis Machines

Yasda

YASDA PX30i 5-Axis Machining Center

Yasda

FANUC Advanced Short Bed ROBODRILL

Kiwa

Engineering Services

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Our machine tools are only part of what makes Methods an ideal manufacturing partner. Our engineers design and implement strategic, complex integrations and applications involving various.

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5 Axis CNC machines allow the cutting tool or the workpiece to move along five axes at once, making it possible to machine complex, multi-sided parts in a single setup. This reduces manual repositioning, shortens cycle times, and delivers higher accuracy on demanding components across aerospace, medical, automotive, energy, and mold applications.

To explore additional machining solutions, visit our full lineup of CNC Machines.

What Is 5 Axis CNC Machining?

5 Axis machining adds two rotary axes (A/C or B/C) to the standard X, Y, and Z movements. This allows the tool to approach the part from virtually any angle, enabling:

Machining five sides of a part in one setup

Better access to deep features and complex geometry

Tighter tolerances due to reduced handling

Improved tool engagement and surface finish

Benefits of 5 Axis CNC

Advancing from traditional 3-axis machining to 5 Axis unlocks a higher level of precision, flexibility, and efficiency. By allowing the tool to reach the part from multiple angles in a single setup, 5 Axis technology streamlines production, improves consistency, and expands the types of parts a shop can take on. The advantages include:

Fewer Setups: Machine multiple faces at once, reducing fixturing time and cumulative error.

Shorter Cycle Times: Complete more operations in fewer steps.

Higher Precision: Maintain optimal tool orientation and reduce stack-up error.

Superior Surface Finish: Better engagement angles lead to smoother surfaces and less finishing work.

Longer Tool Life: Controlled tool angles reduce cutting force and wear.

Greater Capability: Produce parts impossible or inefficient with 3-axis machines.

If you need guidance selecting the right tooling or process, our Application Engineering team can assist.

5 Axis CNC Industries & Applications

Methods supports manufacturers across a wide range of industries with 5 Axis machining solutions tailored to demanding part requirements. Our engineering team works directly with customers to match the right machine, tooling approach, and automation strategy to each application. These systems are used daily to produce advanced components in:

Aerospace – turbine blades, impellers, structural components

Medical – implants, orthopedic devices, surgical instruments

Automotive / EV – cylinder heads, housings, precision prototypes

Die & Mold – deep cavities, complex contours, enhanced finishing

Energy – pump and valve bodies, blades, pressure-bearing parts

High-Mix Job Shops – multi-face, small-batch, complex geometry parts

5 Axis CNC Machines From Methods Machine Tools

Methods delivers a complete portfolio of 5 Axis machining centers built for precision manufacturing, high-mix production, mold and die work, and automated machining environments. Every machine we supply is backed by our in-house Application Engineering team, nationwide service network, and turnkey automation capabilities through Automation Engineering.

High-Precision Vertical 5 Axis Machining Centers

Our vertical 5 Axis platforms combine rigidity, accuracy, and smooth contouring performance for tight-tolerance aerospace, medical, and mold applications. Explore available models in Vertical Machining Centers.

Small-Footprint & High-Mix 5 Axis Solutions

Methods offers compact 5 Axis machines designed for shops running small-to-medium parts, short runs, and varied part families — all while maintaining excellent repeatability. View these systems under 5 Axis Machines.

High-Speed Mold & Die 5 Axis Platforms

For deep cavities, organic forms, and fine surface finishes, we provide 5 Axis machines optimized for mold and toolmaking. Learn more about these applications in Die & Mold.

Horizontal 5 Axis Machining Centers

Our horizontal 5 Axis platforms offer larger work envelopes, superior chip management, and palletized throughput for production environments. See supported platforms under Horizontal Machining Centers.

Automation-Ready & Palletized 5 Axis Systems

Methods integrates robotics, pallet pools, probing, and turnkey cells to support lights-out machining and continuous production. Automation solutions are available through Automation Engineering, and palletized machine options can be found under Multi-Pallet Systems.

FAQ: 5 Axis CNC Machining

Components with multiple angled surfaces, curved geometry, undercuts, deep pockets, or multi-face alignment requirements. Examples include impellers, turbine blades, medical implants, dies, molds, housings, and aerospace structures. Explore more: Industries.

3-axis: X/Y/Z only. 4-axis: Adds a rotary axis for indexing. 5 Axis: Adds two rotary axes, enabling single-setup machining and complex multi-angle cutting. See related machine types: Vertical, Horizontal.

3+2 (indexed) machining positions the part using rotary axes, then machines with the three linear axes. It reduces setups and improves accuracy. Learn more through Application Engineering.

All axes move together continuously. This is required for complex contours, sculpted surfaces, blisks, propellers, and high-precision mold work.

Full 5 Axis operation requires a CAM system that supports 5 Axis toolpaths. 3+2 machining works with most mainstream CAM packages. Methods assists with integration through Application Engineering and Training.

More complex than 3-axis programming, but modern CAM automation, simulation, collision detection, and on-machine probing simplify the workflow. See Training Resources.

Yes. Fewer setups reduce alignment error and maintain datum integrity during machining.

Often, yes. A single 5 Axis platform can complete operations that normally require several 3-axis machines, reducing WIP, floor space, and operator intervention. Browse capable platforms: 5 Axis Machines.

-Trunnion (A/C): High rigidity; ideal for small-to-medium parts. -Swivel head (B/C): Larger envelope and improved clearance. -Gantry/bridge: Suited for large molds and heavy components. Explore categories: Vertical and Horizontal.

Yes. With automation, probing, tool monitoring, and pallet systems, many 5 Axis platforms run lights-out. See Automation Engineering.

Methods supports everything from compact 5 Axis machines for small precision parts to large-format systems used in aerospace, energy, and mold work.

No. Many job shops adopt 5 Axis to expand capability and reduce setups. See Job Shop Solutions.

Consider part size, materials, tolerances, spindle performance, table style, automation needs, and ROI. Methods engineers can help through Application Engineering.

ROI comes from fewer setups, faster cycles, reduced scrap, and the ability to take on higher-value work. Many shops see measurable returns within the first year.