5-Axis CNC Machining
DMG MORI DMU 80. Simultaneous 5-axis machining. ±0.005mm. Single-setup complex geometries for aerospace, medical, and defence.
Why Choose 5-Axis Machining?
Single Setup
Complex geometries machined in one clamping. Eliminates errors from multiple set-ups. Tighter positional accuracy across all features.
Faster lead times, better accuracy
Complex Geometries
Undercuts, angled features, compound curves, and deep cavities - all machined without special fixtures or EDM.
Design freedom, fewer secondary ops
Better Surface Finish
Optimal tool orientation eliminates stepovers on sculptured surfaces. Shorter tools = less vibration = better finish.
Ra 0.4µm achievable
5-Axis Equipment
Machines
Travel (X/Y/Z)
B-Axis
C-Axis
Spindle
Typical 5-Axis Applications
Aerospace Impellers
Material: Al 7075 / Ti 6Al-4V
Tolerance: ±0.01mm
Twisted blades, thin walls, single setup
Medical Implants
Material: Ti Grade 5 / SS 316L
Tolerance: ±0.005mm
Organic shapes, mirror finish required
Turbine Housings
Material: Inconel 718
Tolerance: ±0.015mm
High-temp alloy, deep cavities
Optical Mounts
Material: Al 6061-T6
Tolerance: ±0.002mm
Ultra-precision, thermal stability
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Linear Tolerance | ±0.005 mm (standard), ±0.002 mm (precision) |
| Positional Tolerance | ±0.01 mm |
| Surface Finish | Ra 0.4 µm (standard), Ra 0.2 µm (precision) |
| Max Part Weight | 500 kg |
| Max Part Envelope | 800 × 650 × 550 mm |
| Spindle Speed | 18,000 RPM (HSK-T63) |
| Rapid Traverse | 35 m/min |
| Tool Changer | 40 stations |
| Coolant | Through-spindle coolant 70 bar |
| Chip Management | Conveyor + coolant filtration |
3-Axis vs 4-Axis vs 5-Axis - Which Do You Need?
| Factor | 3-Axis | 4-Axis | 5-Axis (Recommended for complex parts) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Simple prismatic parts | Cylindrical / indexed parts | Complex sculptured surfaces |
| Setup | Single | Single with rotary | Single (full access) |
| Undercuts | Requires repositioning | Limited | Full 5-sided access |
| Surface Finish | Good | Good | Excellent (optimised tool vector) |
| Cost per Part | Lowest | Moderate | Higher - but fewer ops |
| Lead Time | Fast | Moderate | Faster overall (single setup) |
Need 5-Axis Machining?
Our DMG MORI DMU 80s are available now. Submit your CAD for an engineer-reviewed quote within 24 hours.
Related Resources
What five-axis changes
What is five-axis machining, and what does it change over three-axis?
A three-axis machine moves the tool in X, Y and Z, so every feature on another face needs a second setup. A five-axis machine tilts and rotates the part or the head as well, so compound angles and undercuts are cut in one clamping. The practical difference is setups, not axis count.
- ·One clamping instead of two or three: every re-fixture is a fresh chance to lose position, and it is the datum shift between setups that usually eats a tight tolerance, not the machine.
- ·Undercuts and compound-angle holes can be reached without a special fixture, which matters most on low-volume parts where the fixture would cost more than the parts.
- ·Five-axis does not mean tighter tolerance by itself: our standard linear tolerance is the same ±0.005 mm on either machine. What changes is how much of the drawing can be held from one datum.
- ·It is slower per cubic centimetre of metal removed, because the machine is moving two more axes. On a simple plate the three-axis machine wins on cycle time and wins on cost.
Basis: Machine capability and tolerance from the capability page and the claims register; setup behaviour from the 5-axis service page.