Comparison of Efficiency and Precision Between 3-Axis CNC Machining and 5-Axis CNC Machining

In modern manufacturing, CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining technology has become the mainstream method for precision manufacturing of metal parts. Depending on the degrees of freedom in the equipment's movement, it is commonly divided into 3-axis CNC machining and 5-axis CNC machining. Although both belong to the CNC machining system, they show significant differences in terms of structural complexity, processing efficiency, and application range.

Number of Axes Determines Machining Capabilities

3-axis CNC machining refers to the linear movement of the tool along the X, Y, and Z axes. This type of machining is suitable for flat parts or simple geometric structures, with clear machining paths and low costs, making it widely used in initial processing and mass production scenarios.

5-axis CNC machining builds upon the original three axes by adding two rotational axes (usually the A and B axis or C axis), allowing the tool to access the workpiece from more angles. Its biggest advantage is that it can complete complex curved surfaces or multi-surface machining in one setup, significantly reducing the number of setups and positioning errors.

Differences in Efficiency and Accuracy

In terms of efficiency

3-axis CNC machining processes are relatively straightforward, but when dealing with polyhedral parts or inclined surfaces, multiple setups or repositioning are often needed, affecting overall production time.

5-axis CNC machining leverages flexible tool angle adjustments to complete precise multi-surface cutting in one go, greatly enhancing machining efficiency.

In terms of accuracy

5-axis CNC machining offers higher consistency and repeatable positioning capabilities, making it especially suitable for fields with high demands for machining accuracy, such as aerospace and medical instruments.

3-axis CNC machining is often limited by tool length and interference risks when dealing with deep cavity structures, making it challenging to ensure machining accuracy and surface quality.

Technical Threshold and Return on Investment

5-axis CNC machining offers numerous technical advantages, but its equipment acquisition costs, operational programming difficulty, and maintenance requirements are relatively higher, making it suitable for high-end manufacturing enterprises and applications requiring high part complexity.

3-axis CNC machining, with its low entry threshold and high versatility, remains the preferred choice for many small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises.

Select According to Need, Integrate and Develop

Overall, 3-axis CNC machining is suitable for simple structure and budget-limited mass production needs, while 5-axis CNC machining is better suited for high-complexity, high-precision, and high-value part manufacturing. As the manufacturing industry continues to move towards intelligence and precision, both will continue to play their respective advantages in different dimensions, jointly promoting modern manufacturing to a new level. The choice of which machining method to use should be based on a comprehensive assessment of the complexity of product design, accuracy requirements, and company budget.

By Leo Liao

Hi everyone, I am one of the co-founders of Zhihui Precision. You can call me Leo.

I've been in the parts machining industry for 15 years, I'm 38 years old, and now I'm a senior engineer at Zhihui Precision.

In the past 15 years of career, from the very beginning of the mechanical design apprenticeship, to bench-worker, machining process engineers, project engineers, and then to the senior engineer, all the way, has been in the machining industry inside the deep cultivating, learning a amount of rich theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

What makes me persist in this seemingly boring industry? I think it should be the love, as well as watching part process start from scratch, from the beginning of a concept to design, and then step by step to make it into a physical process, so that I have a sense of fulfilment and achievement, love and enjoyment in it, the joy will come with it.

I have a dream, that is, in their own professional life while taking care of family life can always stick to the original intention, tireless in their favourite machining industry with the attitude of craftsmanship to do a good job of every part by my hands, so that looks very textured, it smell rust, plus gorgeous surface treatment to add, the appearance and dimensions are just prefect, so that every part like a work of art in the hands of the customer.

So, what can be done to give each part the appearance and dimensions that are just perfect and present it to the customer like a work of art?

I think we're on our way, because here's what we did.

1. Upgraded factory facilities and equipment, respectively:

1.1 With a 10,000 square metres factory workshop.

1.2 50+ CNC Machining Centres and Turn-Mill Machining Centres (Vertical and Horizontal) with 40 sets of 4 & 5 Axis CNC Machining Centres.

1.3 Complete production and machining auxiliary equipment, including a flexible line with automatic loading, a complete and leading cutting tools management warehouse, a separate parts polishing department, a warehouse centre, and a production management system scientifically managed by MES and ERP.

2. Enriched team, with 100 + people, 15 people more than 10 years of 5-axis CNC programming and machining experience in the core team, 5 people experienced in foreign trade project management team.

3. Equipped with an advanced inspection system and equipment, with multiple RENISHAW inspection systems, including CMMs of ZEISS and LK, hand-held material analysers, hand-held 3D part scanners, as well as providing CT scanning measurement.

4. Improving and perfecting our company through international certifications, we are ISO9001:2015 certificated, in the process of applying for ISO13485 certification, China High-Tech Enterprise certified, and have 20 company technology patents.

5. We are still moving forward to the goal, towards refinement, lean process, and through advanced digital, automation equipment and improve the company, so that the production process is more efficient, quality is more stable, through lean process and automation continuously optimise the cost, so that customers can rest assured and satisfied.