5-axis milling

In 5-axis milling, two rotary axes are added to the three linear axes X, Y and Z. On our HERMLE C 400 U, these are the swivel axis A and the rotary axis C of the swivel rotary table. This allows the workpiece to be brought into almost any position relative to the tool.

• Indexed machining (also known as 3+2 machining): the workpiece is swivelled into a position and held there, then milled on three axes – ideal for angled surfaces and bores on several sides,
• Simultaneous machining: all five axes move at the same time – for freeform surfaces, undercuts and contours that cannot be milled any other way.

We use both methods and choose the more economical one for each component.

• higher accuracy, because re-clamping errors are eliminated and all features are produced from the same datum,
• shorter lead times thanks to fewer set-ups and fixtures,
• shorter tools, because the cutter can be tilted towards the surface – this improves the surface finish and tool life,
• complex geometries, undercuts and freeform surfaces in one pass.

Typical components are medium-sized milled parts machined on several sides: housings, holders and brackets, valve and pump parts, fixture parts and components with angled bores, pockets and freeform surfaces – as single parts, prototypes or series.

For large components, we use our milling machines and boring mills; read more on the CNC milling and Boring mill machining pages.

You can find the complete data for all machines in the machine list on the Contract manufacturing page.

• positioning uncertainty of the linear axes X, Y and Z of up to 0.006 mm according to the manufacturer,
• Heidenhain control with functions for high contouring accuracy in simultaneous machining,
• touch probe in the machine for aligning and measuring the workpiece,
• laser tool measurement to check tool length and radius,
• internal coolant supply at 80 bar for deep bores and reliable chip evacuation,
• additional magazine and robot connection with pallet system for series production with consistent quality.

We machine structural steel, quenched and tempered steels and case-hardening steels such as 42CrMo4 and 18CrNiMo7-6, grey cast iron, ductile cast iron, cast steel, stainless steels up to duplex 1.4462, aluminium, titanium, bronze and brass. On request, we source the material ourselves, with a material certificate.

We explain the properties and applications of the materials on the Commodity trading page.

• inspection of all components before delivery and a measurement report on the characteristics of your drawing,
• first article inspection report (FAI) on request,
• material certificates according to EN 10204 (2.2 or 3.1),
• traceability of material and manufacturing,
• quality management according to ISO 9001, EN 9100, EN 9120 and ISO 14001.

Drawing as a PDF and, for 5-axis parts, ideally a 3D model as a STEP file, plus material, quantity, desired delivery date and delivery location. We create the program from your model. We check feasibility free of charge and get back to you within 24 hours on working days. On request, we sign a non-disclosure agreement in advance.

The fastest way is via our enquiry form with file upload.