5-Axis and 3-Axis MillingIf you’ve got a part that you think might be nearly impossible to build, then consider turning to NCAD. With our 5-axis CNC milling machines, state-of-the-art software and our excellent programming skills, we have everything it takes to manufacture complex steel, aluminum and plastic parts.
 Even if your part is not extremely complex, our ability to machine intricate shapes, undercuts and difficult angles in a single 5-axis setup helps reduce setup costs and labor time, resulting in a better cost per part to you.
For simple parts, we can use one of our many 3-axis machines. By having multiple options and machines, we can ensure your project gets scheduled quickly with the most cost effective option.
We can boast of our almost unbelievable accuracy and repeatability specifications. This means that once a program is verified, two, ten, or one thousand identical work pieces can be easily produced with precision and consistency
- One of the weakest links in the machining process, which makes precise work difficult, is manually placing the part on the machine. Every time an operator has to reposition the part on the machine, there is a possibility to make a slight error. While traditional 3-axis machines can only complete one side of a part at a time, a 5-axis machine can complete five sides, which ensures very tight tolerances. The sixth, and final, side of the part is often the least critical.
- Able to create complex designs
- Easy to maintain close tolerances and repeatability to ensure we meet your form, fit and function requirements
- Can save money due to labor and material savings because of one-time set up and lack of repositioning.
- Future production runs are quick to set up, because it is almost as simple as changing a machine’s program. This allows you to easily maintain just-in-time inventories.
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MACHINE SHOP VOCABULARY
Milling Machine - A power driven machine used for complex shaping of metal or other material parts. It typically has a cutter that rotates, similar to a drill, that stays stationary, while a workpiece is attached to a moveable table. These machines can perform a vast number of complex operations, such as slot cutting, milling, drilling, boring and reaming.
CNC Machine - The abbreviation CNC stands for “Computer Numerical Control,” and refers specifically to the computer control of machine tools for the purpose of being able to repeatedly manufacture complex parts in metal as well as other materials, using a program.
3-Axis vs 5-Axis Machines - A 3-axis machine can move a part in three directions, which allows the cutter to work on the part by moving it:
- Left and right
- Back and forth and
- Up and down
A 5-axis machine has those capabilities, plus it allows the part to me spun in many other directions as if it were hanging in a hammock that was mounted on large Lazy Susan. (Okay, we’ll wait a second, while you visualize that…) This allows the machine to cut the front, back, and both sides, as well as for diagonal drilling.
History - CNC was developed in the late 1940s and early 1950s by the MIT.
G-Code - The name of the computer programing language that is used to control the motions of a CNC machine.
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