When engineers tackle complex geometries, undercuts, and tight tolerances, CNC machining with higher axis control becomes essential. Partnering with a CNC machining company that offers 3 to 5-axis capabilities unlocks design flexibility and cost-effectiveness, especially from a specialist like ABTS.
Understanding 3, 4 and 5-Axis Machining
- 3-Axis CNC (X, Y, Z): Standard milling for prismatic shapes, flat surfaces.
- 4-Axis CNC (+ rotation): Enables profiling around a single axis, ideal for grooves, cylindrical features.
- 5-Axis CNC (+ tilt/swivel): Offers full spatial control, undercuts, angled surfaces, complex freeform shapes.
More axes often mean fewer setups, reduced handling errors, and better surface finishes.
Benefits for Engineers and Designers
Reduced Setup Time and Improved Accuracy
With ABTS’s 5-axis CNC, parts stay in one fixture from start to finish. That reduces tolerancing errors and accelerates cycle times for multi-surface machining.
Complex Part Production
Think turbine housing ports, aerospace brackets, or custom mould tooling. Our capabilities bring these designs to life accurately and efficiently.
Better Surface Finish
More axes mean fewer handoffs and re-clamping, which translates to smoother surfaces and higher first-pass yield.
ABTS’s CNC Infrastructure Overview
At ABTS, we offer:
- 3-axis CNC milling for standard components.
- 4-axis capability for cylindrical and rotated features.
- 5-axis operations for advanced, contoured, multi-surface parts.
We machine mild steel, stainless steel, aluminium, and castings, also integrating with fabrication/tubing joints when required.
Quality Assurance and Support
Our ISO9001 framework covers every machining project, from initial CAD review to First Article Inspection.
We offer:
- Design collaboration: Early discussions to optimise features and reduce costs.
- Inspection: In-house, with traceable measurement reports.
- Material records: Maintained when required for regulated sectors like rail and energy.
Typical Use Cases
- Precision enclosures or instrument housings
- High-volume mechanical components
- Tooling for stamping, moulding, or welding fixtures
Our integration with finishing services, like automated powder coating, completes the product chain.
Steps to Get Started
- Quote Request: Upload CAD – e.g., STEP, IGES, or native and indicate materials, quantity, finish.
- Technical review: We confirm manufacturability and offer suggestions to streamline production.
- Order and delivery: We create First Article, scale to production, and integrate finishing if needed.
Ready to Partner?
Engineers choose ABTS because we deliver 5-axis quality with a full production workflow.
Request a CNC Machining Quote and let us handle your most challenging designs.
Want precision, flexibility, and speed? Contact ABTS now to discuss your machined components and get a tailored quotation.
