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Do I Need a Five-Axis CNC Router?
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Forum Responses
From contributor M: Contributor R's comments are dead on. In addition, strictly from a manufacturing perspective, most customers I encounter with 5 axis capabilities are furniture manufacturers. They are making complex furniture components which they want to make in a "done in one" (discreet operation) philosophy. I also observe that often first time CNC buyers (3 axis router or point-to point with routing capabilities) typically meet their initial demand in less than one shift, often less than half a shift. Unless you do a substantial (more than 30-40%?) amount of carving, furniture making, architectural ornamentation, I would recommend beginning with a 3 axis. Your current business structure and flow or your proposed future business structure and flow will best determine what type of 3 axis machine you should pursue (flat table, pod and rail, router vs. point to point, etc.). From contributor T: Most people that buy a 5-axis machine have the need to machine on the side of a part or in a non standard plane, or the ability to trim around the edges of a part like a curved chair back, or a carbon fiber car fender, or drilling holes on odd angles. 5-axis machining is not about carving, however if that is what you want to do with it you can. What kind of parts do you want to cut? Show us a part you think you need a 5-axis machine for. There is a learning curve to 5-axis programming. If you do buy a 5-axis machine be sure and discuss tool tip programming capability with the salesperson. There are a lot of companies out there that can't do TTP efficiently. From contributor C: One other thing to keep in mind, if you are concerned about limiting yourself with a 3 axis, is most likely you can find a combination of aggregate head and/or rotary positioner (4th axis) that can accomplish what you need. This is easier and cheaper to program than a full on 5 axis system. You may want to discuss this with your sales guy to make sure you get a spindle capable of running aggregate heads, and if the software will run a 4th, most CAD software will handle both pretty easily. From contributor G: Be careful with this, as the machine in question could be a 2 table machine which has 4 axes, and support to rotate an aggregate the 5th axis. Be certain to check if this is the configuration, or is it really an articulating head 5 axis machine. From contributor O: It depends on what you're doing. For example, most cabinet shops are using 3 axis machines, while some door companies are using five. What is your application? Would you like to add information to this article? Interested in writing or submitting an article? Have a question about this article? Have you reviewed the related Knowledge Base areas below? 
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