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3-Axis to 12-Axis: CNC Milling Machine Capabilities Compared
Are you new to CNC milling? Do you want to know what each type of machine can do? This guide will help you pick the right CNC machine for your job!
At Istar Machining, we use many kinds of CNC machines. We will tell you all about 3-axis to 12-axis CNC milling machines in simple words.
Table of Contents
What Are CNC Machine Axes?
CNC axes are the ways a machine can move. These include:
- Linear axes: X, Y, and Z (side to side, front to back, up and down)
- Rotary axes: A, B, and C (spin around X, Y, and Z)
More axes mean the machine can move in more ways. This helps make complex parts with fewer setups.
3-Axis CNC Milling
What It Does
A 3-axis CNC mill moves in three basic ways:
- Left to right (X)
- Front to back (Y)
- Up and down (Z)
The tool can go up, down, and across to cut the top of parts.
Best For
3-axis machines are good for:
- Flat parts
- Simple shapes
- Holes and slots
- Basic cuts
Pros and Cons
Good things:
- Low cost
- Easy to use
- Simple to program
Not so good things:
- Needs many setups for complex parts
- Can’t make some curved shapes
- Takes more time for complex jobs
At Istar Machining’s CNC milling service, we use 3-axis machines for quick, simple jobs.
4-Axis CNC Milling
What It Does
A 4-axis mill has all the 3-axis moves, plus it can spin the part around one axis. This is good for round parts.
Best For
4-axis machines work well for:
- Gear parts
- Round shafts
- Parts that need cuts on many sides
Pros and Cons
Good things:
- Fewer setups than 3-axis
- Good for round parts
- More precise than 3-axis
Not so good things:
- More costly than 3-axis
- More complex to program
- Not as flexible as 5-axis
5-Axis CNC Milling
What It Does
A 5-axis machine can move in all five ways at once. It can tilt and turn the tool or the part to reach hard spots.
Best For
5-axis machines are best for:
- Airplane parts
- Medical tools
- Complex shapes
Our team at Istar Machining’s 5-axis machining center can make very complex parts in one setup.
Pros and Cons
Good things:
- Only one setup for most jobs
- Can make complex shapes
- Very precise cuts
- Better finish on surfaces
Not so good things:
- High cost
- Needs skilled operators
- Hard to program
7-Axis CNC Milling
What It Does
A 7-axis machine adds even more moves. It can move the tool head in new ways and often has auto part clamping.
Best For
7-axis machines work well for:
- Robot parts
- Defense parts
- Super precise jobs
Pros and Cons
Good things:
- Even more precise than 5-axis
- Can reach hard spots
- Better for long or big parts
Not so good things:
- Very high cost
- Very complex to use
- Needs expert operators
9-Axis and 12-Axis CNC Systems
What It Does
These top systems have many ways to move. They often have more than one tool and can work on many sides at once.
Best For
9-axis and 12-axis machines are best for:
- Jet engine parts
- Car engine blocks
- Big parts with many features
Pros and Cons
Good things:
- Make parts with no stops
- Super high precision
- Can make very complex parts
Not so good things:
- Very costly
- Need expert operators
- Take up lots of space
Key Comparison Table
| Axis Type | Setups Needed | Precision | Cost | Best For |
| 3-axis | Many | OK | Low | Simple parts |
| 4-axis | Some | Better | Medium | Round parts |
| 5-axis | One | Very good | High | Complex parts |
| 7+/12-axis | One | Best | Very high | Super complex |
How To Choose The Right Machine
Look at Your Part
First, think about what your part looks like:
- Is it flat? Try 3-axis
- Is it round? Try 4-axis
- Does it have complex curves? Try 5-axis
- Is it very complex with many angles? Try 7-axis or more
Think About Cost
More axes cost more money:
- 3-axis: $50k–$100k
- 5-axis: $250k–$500k
- 7+/12-axis: $750k–$2M+
How Many Parts Do You Need?
- For few parts: Lower axes might be OK
- For many parts: Higher axes save time and money in the long run
At Istar Machining’s prototype CNC milling service, we help pick the best machine for your job size.
Real World Examples
3-Axis Use
Car brackets and panels are often made with 3-axis machines. These parts are flat or have simple shapes.
5-Axis Use
Airplane parts like wing ribs need 5-axis machines. These parts have complex curves and holes at odd angles.
12-Axis Use
Big turbines for wind power use 12-axis machines. They have many complex cuts and must be very precise.
Industry Use By Axis Type
Different jobs use different axes:
- Airplane makers: 15% use 3-axis, 60% use 5-axis, 25% use 7+/12-axis
- Car makers: 50% use 3-axis, 40% use 5-axis, 10% use 7+/12-axis
- Medical tools: 20% use 3-axis, 70% use 5-axis, 10% use 7+/12-axis
- General shops: 80% use 3-axis, 15% use 5-axis, 5% use 7+/12-axis
Multi-Axis Classifications
There are two main types of multi-axis milling:
- Indexed milling: The machine stops, moves to a new spot, then cuts
- Simultaneous milling: All axes move at the same time for smooth cuts
Istar Machining’s precision CNC machining service uses both types to get the best results.
Future Trends in Multi-Axis Machining
CNC machines are getting better:
- Smart programs that fix errors
- Machines that can both add and cut metal
- More shops can now get 5-axis machines
Common Questions
Does More Axes Mean Better Parts?
Yes. More axes mean:
1. Fewer setups
2. Better finish
3. More precise parts
4. Less time to make parts
Can 12-Axis Machines Work Alone?
No. Even with 12 axes, machines still need people to:
1. Set up the job
2. Check the parts
3. Fix problems
Which Axis Type Is Best For Beginners?
Start with 3-axis. It is:
1. Easier to learn
2. Less costly if you make a mistake
3. Good for basic jobs
How Much Faster Is 5-Axis Than 3-Axis?
A 5-axis job might take 1 hour, while the same job on a 3-axis could take 4 hours because of extra setups.
Why Istar Machining Uses Multiple Axis Types
At Istar Machining, we have all types of CNC milling machines. This lets us:
- Pick the right machine for each job
- Keep costs low for simple parts
- Make complex parts when needed
- Match your budget and time needs
Our complex CNC machining service uses 5-axis and higher machines for the most demanding jobs.
Key Points To Remember
- More axes = fewer setups = better precision
- 3-axis is good for flat, simple parts
- 5-axis is great for complex shapes
- 7-12 axis is best for super complex, high-precision needs
- Pick the right axis type for your job type and budget
Conclusion
Now you know all about CNC milling machines from 3-axis to 12-axis! Each type has its own good and bad points. The right choice depends on what you want to make.
Istar Machining has the know-how and machines to help with any job. From simple flat parts to complex 3D shapes, we can make it!
Want to know more about which CNC machine is best for your project? Talk to our team today!
[^1]: Information on axis capabilities from industry manufacturing reports. [^2]: Cost data collected from major CNC equipment manufacturers. [^3]: Industry adoption rates based on 2023 manufacturing surveys.
