3-Axis vs. 5-Axis Machining: What’s Best for Your Part?
Does your part need 5-axis machining? Or can a 3-axis machine get the job done while ensuring the same level of quality? It’s wise to determine the answer to this question before spending extra money for a precision machine shop to use 5-axis technology.
The Sweeney Metal Fabricators team has been making premium 3-axis-machined parts for 20 years. As we introduce 5-axis machining centers onto our shop floor, we’ll continue to evaluate every part order to identify the optimal process.
3-Axis vs. 5-Axis Machining
Both types of machines—3-axis and 5-axis—offer automated versatility and repeatability when making precision parts. However, there are a few reasons to pick one over the other.
3-axis CNC machining
With 3-axis machining, setup time is faster and the equipment is simpler to program, saving time and minimizing the cost of skilled labor. A 3-axis CNC machine cuts along the X, Y, and Z axes: left-to-right, up-and-down, and front-to-back. Both milling and turning are possible with three axes, though compared to milling processes, turning is faster and ideal for high-volume runs.
Nonstandard geometries and difficult-to-reach features may not be possible to achieve with a 3-axis machine, requiring operators to do more manual work to make the part. Despite these challenges, approximately 90% of the parts our customers request are manufacturable with 3-axis machines.
5-axis CNC machining
A CNC machine with five axes takes a bit longer to program but is capable of cutting complex geometries and deep features, accessing all sides of the workpiece in one operation. During 5-axis milling and turning operations, the tool moves along the X, Y, Z, and A and B axes. That makes larger parts easier to machine, and customers also enjoy increased accuracy.
However, a 5-axis machine doesn’t necessarily make a part “better.” For simple parts, 3-axis machining delivers exceptional results and costs half the price of machining that same part on a 5-axis machine.
Do You Really Need 5-Axis Machining?
Many of our precision machine shop’s 5-axis machining requests come from engineers who over-dimension their parts. They may assume they need tight tolerances (and 5-axis machining to achieve those tolerances)—but often, such tight tolerances aren’t necessary for the part to function properly.
We do our best to catch unnecessary design elements that will affect your budget or timeline. Think of us as your first line of defense against overspending. We’re always on the lookout for simpler solutions that are cost-effective and efficient.
Speaking of simple: our experienced operators can often outperform 5-axis machines with our highly accurate 3-axis machinists. We’re firm believers that it’s not the machine that’s ultimately responsible for the quality of the product; it’s the people behind the machine.
What to Expect from Sweeney Metal Fabricators
If you request a quote for a 5-axis machined part we know we can make on a 3-axis machine, we’ll provide a quick, clear quote for both service options. We want you to have all the necessary information to make the right choice for your project, team, and company.
You may be surprised to see that a quote for 3-axis machining is only $200 compared to $1,000 for 5-axis machining. . . for the same part and production quantity! Does this mean the expensive option is somehow “better” than the other? Hardly! The parts will be exactly the same, regardless of which machine you select. You’ll simply pay significantly more for the 5-axis machined part!
Of course, if we genuinely cannot make your part with a 3-axis machine, we will tell you. We’ll let you know what we can create—and how. We’re also known for honestly turning down a project for parts that aren’t well-suited for our shop’s capabilities. And we’ll help you find a shop that can do the work you need.
We’ll never just “sit on” your part order like some precision machine shops have been known to do. Communication is a high priority here at Sweeney Metal Fabricators, and we’ll always respond quickly and honestly to any order or RFQ.
Break out of your comfort zone
If you’re a buyer who has been told in the past that 5-axis machining was the only option for your parts, trusting a 3-axis process may feel intimidating. But the truth is that the right shop can often achieve exceptional results with lower-cost 3-axis machining than with 5-axis machining—and will hit every one of your quality and tolerance specifications.
So if you think you “need” 5-axis machining, talk to the Sweeney team first. We’ll tell you up front what your parts need—and what they don’t.
