CNC Milling – 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-axis milling machines
We offer a complete range of milling machines for industrial machining – from compact 3-axis portal machines to fully simultaneous 5- and 6-axis high-precision solutions. The machines are designed to meet the demands of mold making, electrode production, precision engineering, and heavy industry.
Our milling machines
What is a CNC milling machine?
One CNC milling machine is a computer-controlled machine used for milling (removing material from a workpiece) with very high precision. CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control, which means that the machine is controlled by a program that tells it exactly how the tools should move.
What does a CNC milling machine do?
The machine processes materials—such as metal, plastic, or wood—by using a rotating cutting tool (milling cutter) to remove material in precise shapes and dimensions. CNC milling machines are used for tasks such as:
- Manufacture prototypes
- Mass production of complex components
- Manufacturing precision components for industry, automotive, aerospace, and medical technology
What does the number of axes in a CNC milling machine mean?
The number of axes in a CNC milling machine indicates how many directions the machine can move in during machining. The more axes, the more complex geometries the machine can handle – and the fewer clamping operations are required. Here is a clear overview of what 3 to 6 axes mean:
3-axis CNC milling machine
Movements:
- X-axis – Left ↔ Right
- Y-axis – Forward ↔ Backward
- Z-axis – Up ↕ Down
Description:
Standard machine that mills from one direction at a time (usually from above). Suitable for flat or simple 3D details where all surfaces are accessible from above.
Restriction:
Cannot mill complex angles without manually re-clamping the workpiece.
4-axis CNC milling machine
Movements:
As 3-axle + a rotating shaft (A-shaft) rotating around the X-axis.
Description:
Enables multiple sides of a workpiece to be machined without re-clamping. Commonly used in the manufacture of components with rounded or angled details.
Advantage:
Increased efficiency and accuracy compared to 3-axis milling.
5-axis CNC milling machine
Movements:
As 4-axle + one additional rotating axis (B or C axis). It could be the cutting head or the table that tilts/rotates.
Description:
Enables milling at almost any angle, often in a single setup. Ideal for complex geometries such as molds, impellers, and medical parts.
Advantages:
- High precision in complex components
- Shorter cycle time
- Less need for fixtures and re-clamping
6-axis CNC milling machine
Movements:
As 5-axis + one additional rotary or linear axis (e.g., a programmable machine arm).
Description:
Rare in traditional milling but common in robot-controlled machining. Provides maximum flexibility and is used for advanced design, often in the aerospace and defense industries.
Advantage:
Can combine machining, handling, and assembly in a single system.
Summary:
Number of axles | Type of movement | Possible processing | Area of application |
3 | X, Y, Z | Only from above | Standard details, plan details |
4 | X, Y, Z + rotation (A) | More pages without re-spinning | Shoulders, tubes, simple 3D shapes |
5 | X, Y, Z + 2 rotations (A + B/C) | Almost all angles | Complex shapes, 5-axis simultaneous milling |
6 | X, Y, Z + 3 rotations | Maximum freedom | Advanced robotic machining, special solutions |