Five axes.
One setup.
Zero compromise.
A cutting tool moves along X, Y and Z while the part rotates on two more axes — so feature-rich geometries, undercuts and contoured surfaces machine in a single setup.
What is 5-Axis CNC
Three linear axes move the tool. Two more spin the part.
5-axis CNC machining is an advanced production process that allows a cutting tool to move along five different axes simultaneously. Where a 3-axis machine cuts along X, Y and Z, a 5-axis machine adds rotation around two of those axes — so the component can be presented to the tool from virtually any angle without ever leaving the fixture.
This capability unlocks geometries that would be difficult or impossible on conventional equipment: turbine blades, impeller vanes, deep undercuts, compound angles and organic contoured surfaces.
5-axis machining: fewer setups, tighter tolerances, and complex geometries in a single operation.
The Six Axes
Click an axis to see how it moves.
Three linear axes move the tool; two rotary axes orient the component. Together they let the cutter approach from virtually any direction in one setup.
Linear Axes
Rotary Axes
Linear
X — Linear
Left-to-right traverse of the cutting tool along the workpiece. One of the three linear foundations; combined with the rotary axes it lets the tool reach across the full part width in a single fixturing.
3
Linear
2
Rotary
1
Setup
Why 5-Axis
Five advantages that compound.
Each benefit feeds the next — better control improves finish, fewer setups lower error, and a single rigid fixturing protects the tolerance you specified.
Enhanced Precision
Better control over tool paths offers higher accuracy and reduces accumulated error. Because the component never leaves the fixture between operations, datums stay intact and tolerance stacks stay shallow.
Complex Geometry
Machine highly intricate components using intricate shapes and angles that 3-axis simply cannot reach — impeller blades, organic contours, deep pockets and compound angles, all from the same setup.
Material Savings
More efficient material removal means less scrap and better apply of raw stock. Optimized toolpaths keep the tool engaged productively, which is especially valuable on expensive aerospace alloys.
Improved Tool Life
Tools can access the component from the ideal angle, maintaining optimal cutting conditions and reducing shock load. The result is less wear, longer tool life and more repeatable surface quality across a batch.
Reduced Setup Time
Fewer setups are required because multiple features machine in a single operation. What used to take three or four re-fixturings now happens once — cutting handling time, re-fixturing error and lead time together.
5-Axis Samples
Real components from our shop floor.
Complex geometries, tight tolerances, and smooth finishes — see what 5-axis capability delivers in production.
Aerospace Turbine Blade
Titanium alloy blade with complex contoured surfaces, machined complete in one setup.
Medical Implant
Biocompatible titanium implant with organic contours and threaded features.
Impeller Assembly
Aluminum impeller with undercuts and blade geometry impossible on 3-axis.
3 vs 4 vs 5 Axis
Not just more axes — more capability.
Toggle between configurations and watch how precision, complexity, finish and cost shift. Each axis you add changes what the machine can reach and how efficiently it reaches it.
3-Axis
Movement along X, Y and Z. high precision for simple components and 2D shapes, with shorter setup and simpler programming. Most cost-effective — automotive, electronics, prototyping.
| Feature | 3-Axis | 4-Axis | 5-Axis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Movement | X, Y, Z | +1 rotary (A/B) | +2 rotary (A,B,C) |
| Tool Access | One plane | Multiple sides | Any angle |
| Surface Finish | Basic | Better | Superior |
| Typical Use | Auto, proto | Aero, mfg | Aero, medical |
Materials
50+ metals & plastics. Pick one.
Nelotiv provides over fifty metals and plastics for custom 5-axis programs. Tap any chip to open its full specification — cost band, lead time, wall thickness, tolerance and maximum component size.
CNC Metals
CNC Plastics
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—
Select a material above.
Tolerances
Held to the number you specify.
We follow ISO 2768 (medium) for plastics and ISO 2768 (fine) for metals, consistently achieving CNC tolerances from ±0.005″ (±0.125mm) to ±0.002″ (±0.05mm). For tighter specifications we hold ±0.01mm to ±0.005mm, ensuring dimensional control across every application.
- Standard Tolerances
- Metals: ISO 2768-f / Plastics: ISO 2768-m
- Maximum Part Size
- 157.5 × 59.1 × 23.6 in
- Minimum Part Size
- 0.1 × 0.1 in
- Minimum Feature Size
- Φ 0.00197 in
- Linear Dimension
- ± 0.001 in
- Hole Diameters (Not Reamed)
- ± 0.001 in
- Shaft Diameters
- ± 0.001 in
Why Nelotiv
A partner engineered for the hard components.
From aerospace to medical, we deliver complex 5-axis machined parts with the precision, speed, and support you need.
30–50%
Competitive Price
Save 30–50% versus your local manufacturer and market, built on optimized manufacturing processes and stringent cost management.
8
Payment Methods
Nearly eight ways to arrange payment — starting with individual buyers to large corporations, from the USA and EU to buyers across the globe.
3 days
Rapid Turnaround
Our own responsive delivery logistics channel moves express and bulk shipments to most global destinations within three days.
15+
Years Experience
Rich experience in the global market — especially the USA and EU — using more than fifteen years of cooperation using leading international companies.
24/7
Engineering Support
Round-the-clock engineering support for immediate, on-demand problem resolution, using detailed design input to enhance your component for manufacturability.
Ready to start?
Send your design and receive a detailed, itemized quotation from our engineering team.
Receive a Free Quote →How To Work using Us
Four steps. Prototype to delivery.
We have streamlined the process into just four simple steps — from initial design to responsive delivery of finished components — to save you time and reduce cost.
Step 01
Send Us Your Design
Click any quote button on our website, fill in your specifications and upload your 2D or 3D drawings. The more detail you share, the faster we can quote.
Step 02
Quote Analysis
Our engineers analyze how to improve the components for manufacturability, then supply you with the best price — clearly broken down, with no hidden line items.
Step 03
Order Confirmed
After you confirm the quote, samples are produced and sent for your approval. Once approved, bulk manufacturing begins on the confirmed schedule.
Step 04
Get Your Parts
Every component is inspected by QC, then delivered directly to you by international express — tracked, documented and ready for apply.
FAQ
Practical answers for buyers.
Engineering Benefits over 3-axis or 4-axis
The primary advantages of 5-axis CNC processing are:
- ▸Increased precision — reduces the need for multiple setups, enhancing dimensional control.
- ▸Complex geometries — capable of CNC processing intricate shapes and features that would be difficult or impossible using fewer axes.
- ▸Improved surface finishes — minimizes tool marks and can maintain smoother finishes.
- ▸Reduced lead time — fewer setups and re-fixturing mean quicker turnaround for intricate components.
Get your custom 5-axis components today.
Send your design and get an itemized quote from our engineering team — from prototype to production, on schedule.