✔ Get custom 5-axis CNC machined parts
✔ Hold tolerances to ±0.01 mm
✔ Scale flexibly, no minimum order quantity
✔ Lead times from 4 days
5 Axis CNC Machining is our top choice for producing complex geometries and intricate shapes that would be challenging or impossible to achieve with 3- or 4- axis machining. From prototype to production, HLH Rapid delivers ultra-tight-tolerance 5-axis machining for aerospace, automotive, robotics & automation, and medical applications — combining advanced multi-axis technology with engineering-first precision.
5-axis CNC machining is a subtractive manufacturing process in which a cutting tool moves simultaneously along three linear axes (X, Y, Z) and two rotational axes (A, B, or C). This allows the cutting tool to approach the workpiece from multiple angles, enabling complex parts to be machined in a single “Done in One” operation, reducing setup times, cycle times as well as reorientation costs.
| Maximum Part Size | 3000 x 1200 x 850 mm (118.1 × 47.2 × 33.5 in) |
| Minimum Part Size | 5 × 5 × 5 mm (0.197 × 0.197 × 0.197 in) |
| Materials | 200+ metals and plastics |
| General Tolerances | ±0.05 mm (0.002 in) |
| Lead Time | From 4 days |
3-axis vs. 5-axis CNC
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Please use the following formats:
.stl, .obj, .wrl, .step (.stp), .iges (.igs), .3mf, .dxf and .zip
100mb max file size (per file)
If you have a file type not listed, please contact us to discuss first.
UK Office: Suite 11 & 12A, 44 Potternewton
Mount, Leeds, LS7 2DR, United Kingdom
Company Number: 12704810
VAT Number: GB393458263
Factory: Building A, Hongfa Industrial District
Houda Road, Daling Shan, Dongguan,
Guangdong, China
With an extensive list of surface finishes available, HLH Rapid can enhance the surface quality of your 5-axis machined parts. Applying these finishes help improve the appearance of the components, their surface roughness, hardness, corrosion resistance, and more. They also hide visible tool marks on the products’ surfaces. Custom finishes available on request.
At HLH, our standard machining tolerance for prototypes and production runs are ISO-2678 Fine (F) for metals and Medium (M) for plastics, with tighter tolerances available upon request.
| Metals With Drawing | Metals No Drawing | Plastics With Drawing | Plastics No Drawing | |
| Linear Dimension | ±0.01mm | ISO 2768 Fine | ±0.05mm | ISO 2768 Medium |
| Hole Diameters | ±0.008mm | ISO 2768 Fine | ±0.05mm | ISO 2768 Medium |
| Shaft Diameters | ±0.004mm | ISO 2768 Fine | ±0.05mm | ISO 2768 Medium |
To achieve high dimensional accuracy, reduce curling, and successful prints, it is important that you design for the process. See the SLA design guidelines below.
| Feature | Recommended Size |
|---|---|
| Minimum Feature Size | 0.5 mm (0.0197 in) |
| Minimum Hole Diameter | 1.0 mm (0.0393 in) |
| Maximum Hole Depth | 3x nominal diameter |
| Minimum Engraved Details | Height of 1.5 mm (0.0590 in); Depth after machining of 0.5 mm (0.0197 in) |
| Threads & Tapped Holes | Produce threads from M2 to M24. |
Aerospace Industry: Complex, high-precision components and intricate parts manufactured from high-strength, lightweight alloys.
Automotive Industry: Complex contoured parts, performance components, moulds, and large twisted geometries produced in a single setup.
Medical Industry: Custom surgical instruments, implants, housings, and precision components manufactured to meet demanding accuracy and quality requirements.
Electronics Industry: Precision enclosures, heat sinks, chassis, and intricate components requiring excellent accuracy and surface quality.
Robotics Industry: Complex robotic joints, grippers, assemblies, and housings with precise features and high-quality surface finishes.
Industrial Machinery & Equipment Industry: Precision tooling, fixtures, complex assemblies, impellers, shafts, and custom machine components.
The cost of 5-axis CNC machining in the US and Europe can range from $75 to $150 per hour, or even higher in some cases. It can vary significantly depending on several factors including part complexity, quality of the machine, skill of the operator and the specific industry.
5-axis milling services are typically more affordable in China due to lower labour costs for skilled machinists. For less complex parts or bulk production, rates starting around $30 per hour are not uncommon, but again, the cost can vary depending on factors such as the quality of the service, part complexity, and the location of the machining service within China.
5-axis machines are used to create highly complex geometries and intricate parts with high precision, which would be difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional 3-axis milling. At HLH, our 5-axis milling services have been used to create a variety of complex parts, including engine blocks, cylinder heads, gearboxes, and pumps.
5-axis CNC machining is an incredibly versatile subtractive manufacturing technique that operates simultaneously along five different axes (X, Y, Z, A, and B) to remove material from a solid workpiece, allowing for complex and intricate cuts in a single setup.
5-axis machining is one of the most advanced processes available today. Its advantages include high accuracy and reliability, fewer machine setups, increased efficiency, the ability to produce complex and intricate geometries, enhanced surface finishes, and improved drilling capabilities.
5-axis machines are particularly useful for complex parts. However, if you only need a single part with less intricate geometries, 3- and 4-axis machining can often be a more cost-effective solution.
