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The industry-leading 5-Axis Machining Centers have changed the landscape of the machine tool industry by making 5-axis machining simple, affordable, and accessible to everyone. Available in multiple sizes and configurations, Haas UMCs are the perfect job shop machines for reducing setups and increasing accuracy on multi-sided and complex parts.

Why Five-Axis Machining?

Some people mistakenly think five-axis technology is only for the most complex parts. While it certainly excels at that, a significant majority of the applications are simply used to enable the machining of five sides of a workpiece in a single setup. With three-axis machining, jobs might require two, three or more setups to get at all the features of the part. With the done-in-one approach, those additional setups are eliminated in addition to potential for error each time you reposition a part. The justification for a five-axis machine on these grounds is simple, with dramatic reductions in total setup, machine time and reduced fixturing.

Another inherent advantage of five-axis machining is it can use shorter tools because the tool/toolholder combination can be tipped away from otherwise interfering surfaces or features on the workpiece. This is particularly important in die and mold work where the use of toolholder extensions is common to reach deep cavity surfaces. A shorter tool results in less vibration, allowing for heavier or faster cutting, better surface finish and longer tool life.

Particularly for job shops, five-axis machining enables complex parts to be cut from solid material that otherwise might have to be cast. This enables quick turnaround for short-run and prototype work on high-value parts. It’s a great opportunity to differentiate the shop from lower tech competitors and build a more profitable business.

Why buy a 5 Axis CNC Mill?

There are many reasons now more than ever why machine shops are replacing their current machines with 5-axis CNC milling machines. Here are a few of the top reasons that drive machine shop owners to add or replace older machines with 5-axis CNC machines:

It saves time – and time is money in machining.

The business case can be made for replacing standard 3-axis parts machining with 5-axis CNC machining based on both the setup and cycle time improvements. In one example by Hurco, one part that took 7 operations and 5 hours 30 minutes to setup on a standard 3 axis CNC machine needed only 2 operations and 1 hour 30 minutes to setup on a 5-axis machine. The cycle time for that same part also went down by over 30%. If a machine is running, it’s not making money. This kind of savings can quickly improve ROI.

5-Axis CNC can make complex parts.

When you buy a used 5-axis CNC machine, you are increasing the complexity of parts that you can make. Some shops like work that others consider to be too difficult. If your company loves to learn from every challenge and become better with each job, this strategy can pay great dividends. 5-axis machining is great for the complex work and shorter running jobs. Your 5-axis machine should be flexible, precise and adaptable for the challenges. Many used 5-axis machines have a swivel head that can articulate cuts in almost every direction.

Universal machining centers are a type of computer numerical control (CNC) machine used for machining various materials, including metal, plastics, and composites. The machine is designed to perform multiple operations, such as milling, drilling, and tapping, in a single setup, making it a versatile tool in the manufacturing process.

The universal machining center can be used to machine complex and intricate parts with high levels of precision and accuracy. It is commonly used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical device manufacturing.

The machine is equipped with a variety of tools, including cutting tools, drills, and taps, which can be automatically changed during the machining process. This feature allows for increased efficiency and productivity, as it eliminates the need for manual tool changes and reduces downtime.

The universal machining center is controlled by software that converts digital designs into instructions for the machine’s motors to move and operate. This software allows for high levels of customization and flexibility in the manufacturing process, as well as improved efficiency and productivity.

Overall, a universal machining center is a powerful tool for manufacturers seeking to improve their production capabilities and create high-quality parts with intricate and detailed designs. It offers versatility, precision, and efficiency in a variety of applications, making it a valuable investment for businesses seeking to stay competitive in the market.