Geometry and access
Multiple faces, compound angles and curved contours can suit five-axis milling. Tool-holder clearance and clamping still need to be checked for the part.
Five-Axis CNC Machining for Complex Parts
Review complex contours, angled features and access from several faces with Jaquent. We confirm the indexed or simultaneous five-axis route, workholding and critical-feature requirements for your drawing before production.
Five-axis proof points
A route matched to the drawing
We review whether indexed or simultaneous motion, additional setups, turning or wire EDM are needed. Fewer setups can help preserve relationships without eliminating every source of movement.
Critical features reviewed individually
Selected critical five-axis features may be reviewed to ±0.005 mm where material and geometry allow, confirmed through DFM and the agreed drawing.
What we provide
Five-axis CNC milling supports parts with features on several faces, curved surfaces or compound angles. Start with the geometry and functional relationships rather than a required number of setups. We review tool reach, holder clearance, fixture contact, wall stiffness and stock condition together.
Simultaneous five-axis machining is available within the confirmed project scope; an indexed route or additional setup may be more suitable for a particular feature. Turning, wire EDM, ordered finishing and basic hardware assembly can be coordinated when the complete route requires them. See integrated CNC capabilities.
In indexed (3+2) machining, the rotary axes position the part for a cut at a fixed orientation. In simultaneous five-axis machining, tool orientation can change during the cutting path. The useful choice depends on which surfaces need access and which feature relationships must be preserved. Identify functional faces and permitted clamping areas so the review can distinguish access problems from tolerance requirements.
Process flow
RFQ / CAD review
Share the current part requirements and available STEP model / marked PDF. Identify the revision, material, quantity and open questions for review.
DFM
We check tool access, wall thickness, fixture strategy, and which tolerances justify five-axis versus 3/4-axis.
Material & process planning
Stock, workholding, and CAM strategy matched to grade and envelope (ref. up to about 800 × 600 × 500 mm).
Machining
Machine the agreed indexed or simultaneous route, with verification after relevant fixture or tooling changes and any additional operations included in the plan.
Inspection
Verify dimensions at the authorized manufacturing facility using the drawing and agreed inspection plan. Check each feature in its specified acceptance state after operations that can affect it; agree intermediate checks separately.
Shipping
Protect the accepted parts for shipment and include the documentation agreed for the order.
Five-axis CNC specifications
| Item | Capability |
|---|---|
| Process | Five-axis milling; indexed or simultaneous strategy and setup count confirmed for the part |
| Materials | Aluminum, steels, stainless, titanium (suitable grades), copper alloys, engineering plastics — see material pages |
| Typical tolerance | About ±0.01 mm on suitable rigid parts; ±0.005 mm on designated critical features where allowed — confirmed via DFM |
| Work envelope (ref.) | Multi-axis reference envelope up to about 800 × 600 × 500 mm. Part orientation, fixture space, rotary travel and tool access reduce the usable space; confirm per part. |
| File formats | STEP (.step / .stp) and a marked PDF recommended. The RFQ page lists direct upload formats; agree delivery of other formats and assembly dependencies before sending. |
| Inspection options | ZEISS CMM and calibrated hand tools at the authorized manufacturing facility; reports per drawing and agreed plan. Customer-specified FAI forms and drawing-characteristic coverage are available when specified and quoted. |
| Finishing | Anodizing, passivation, plating, bead blast, and related finishes available as turnkey — see surface finishes |
Materials and surface finishes
Aluminum CNC machining
6061 / 7075 structural and enclosure parts with post-machining finishes.
Steel CNC machining
Alloy and stainless grades for high-load multi-face components.
Copper CNC machining
Copper and bronze where conductivity and complex geometry meet.
Plastic CNC machining
POM, PEEK, and other engineering polymers on suitable rigid setups.
CNC surface finishes
Anodizing, plating, bead blast, and related finishes with dimensional notes.
CNC materials guide
Grade selection and machinability context.
Thin-wall and contour evidence
Curved walls and compound surfaces need review of tool engagement, reach and support. Identify thin regions, required surface texture and the relationships that must survive unclamping and subsequent operations. The pictured geometry provides context for those questions; use the drawing and agreed inspection plan to define acceptance.
For practical preparation, see CAD and drawing preparation.
Programming and multi-process delivery
Multi-plane CAM
Multi-plane programming is planned around access, fixture clearance and the datum relationships required for the part.
Ready-to-install modules
Specify the hardware, assembly state and checks needed if bushings or fasteners are part of the order. The pictured module is a process reference.
Tolerance and quality
±0.005 mm applies only to designated critical five-axis features where material and geometry allow — always confirmed via DFM and per drawing. Typical five-axis delivery around ±0.01 mm is likewise conditional. Pre-shipment inspection at the authorized manufacturing facility follows the agreed plan; material documentation (MTR) is available on request. Customer-specified FAI forms and drawing-characteristic coverage are available when specified and quoted. Details: CNC machining quality control.
Applications
Study 01 — Lightweight pivot bracket
Illustrative application, not customer work. Use: a pivot or actuator mount in a weight-sensitive motion assembly. Structure: the four-hole base transfers load, the upright lug locates a pin or bearing, and the ribs add stiffness without a solid block. Five-axis value: preserve the base-to-bore relationship in fewer setups. Inspection focus: base flatness plus bore size, position, and perpendicularity.
Study 02 — Robotic clevis link
Illustrative application, not customer work. Use: a link between an actuator and a rotating joint in automation equipment. Structure: the rear flange provides bolt attachment, the forked lugs carry a pivot pin, the aligned bores control joint motion, and the side pocket reduces mass while retaining the load path. Five-axis value: machine the flange, pocket, lug faces, and pin-bore relationship in fewer setups. Inspection focus: bore coaxiality, center distance, and flange flatness.
Study 03 — Locating fixture plate
Illustrative application, not customer work. Use: a locating nest for repeatable machining or inspection. Structure: the recessed pocket locates the workpiece, the raised pads establish controlled support points, the central bore provides tool or probe clearance, and the corner and side holes provide mounting and clamp access. Five-axis value: machine the top datums and side-access holes with fewer reorientations. Inspection focus: pad coplanarity, pocket position, hole position, and base flatness.
Five-axis FAQ
When do I need five-axis instead of 3-axis milling?
Review five-axis when compound angles, curved surfaces or access from several faces make an ordinary milling route difficult. Indexed motion, simultaneous motion and setup count are selected through DFM. A suitable 3- or 4-axis route may be sufficient for simpler access.
Can every part hold ±0.005 mm?
No. ±0.005 mm is a critical-feature capability on suitable rigid parts where the drawing specifies it and DFM confirms material and geometry. It is not a default for all dimensions.
Do you provide finishing and assembly?
Yes when ordered as turnkey: common finishes (anodize, passivation, plating, bead blast) and basic hardware integration. Scope is confirmed at quote.
Prepare a process-specific inquiry
- Identify the complex faces, angled holes and functional relationships on the current drawing.
- State material grade and condition, part size, quantity and target delivery if known.
- Mark critical limits, datum features, surface texture, finish and the required final acceptance state.
- Request the inspection method, coverage and records needed for those features.
Request a Quote with the information available. CAD and attachments are optional form inputs. With a complete RFQ, we typically respond within one business day; complex multi-process projects may take 1–2 business days.
Ready to start your CNC project?
Share the available drawing and project requirements. We review manufacturability, inspection and quotation scope before an order is confirmed.