Are you looking to find the best 5-axis CNC machine on the market? A 5-axis CNC machine is one of the most incredible tools available, being used on everything from spaceships to race cars.
But are all 5-axis CNC machines the same? What makes some better than others? Do different circumstances suit different machines?
5-axis CNC machines come in different models and are built for different purposes. With so many uses for CNC machines, it is no wonder that the market for them is rapidly expanding—projected to be worth almost $2.5 billion by 2021. This begs the final question: Which is the best 5-axis CNC machine?
All good questions! Let’s dive straight in and start answering them. Here is our guide to the best 5-axis CNC machine you can buy.
What Is a 5-Axis CNC Machine?
A 5-axis CNC machine is a tool used in engineering. CNC stands for computer numerical control. As for the 5-axis, it means that the machine is capable of moving a cutting implement or other machine parts across five axes at the same time.
What this means is that the machine is able to produce objects to an extremely high level of precision.
These machines are particularly necessary for manufacturing complex machines like spaceships, cars, and hospital equipment. In all of these scenarios, you can’t afford to be off in your tooling, even by a little bit. Precision engineering is necessary not only to produce high-performing machines but also to save lives.
But there are lots of other applications for 5-axis CNC machines. What makes a 5-axis CNC machine so versatile is that it is what is called ‘single setup machinery’.
This means that the tool can be set up to complete a job in one go, without making numerous readjustments. It speeds up work time and produces higher quality results. Axis machining is, in other words, the future of engineering.
But what really is the best 5-axis CNC machine? Well, let’s find out!
What Is the Best 5-Axis CNC Machine?
You should now know that there are lots of different applications for 5-axis CNC machines. But this means that there is no single answer to the question of which is the best one.
The thing to remember is that the best 5-axis CNC milling machine will be different depending on the use for which it is required. So, let’s break the question up into some sub-categories: best universal machine, best wood machine, and best mini machine.
What Is the Best Universal 5-Axis CNC Machine?
Our pick for the best all-round 5-axis CNC machine is Haas’ UMC-1000SS. The SS here stands for ‘super speed’. With a 12,000rpm spindle, it really is super fast.
Haas is perhaps the number one name in the 5-axis CNC machine industry. It is particularly famous for specializing in automotive machining, having its own team in Formula 1.
However, Haas has a much older reputation amongst engineers of all types. It has also been cited as one of the top five CNC machine manufacturers in the world, in terms of market share.
The UMC-1000SS is one of Haas’ leading tools on the market. Importantly, its applications go far beyond building race cars. This machine is used in metalwork, the manufacturing of medical equipment, as well as construction work.
Put simply, the machine can make anything from a car to a coffee table.
Featuring thirty tool attachments and a remote touchscreen, it can really be put to any use. This is the best 5-axis CNC machining center on the market for universal purposes.
What Is the Best 5-Axis Wood CNC Machine?
Woodwork is quite a specific sub-category of 5-axis machining. Since the material is so different from what most 5-axis machining is used on, specific fittings are required.
Woodworking experts should be looking at the AES Vega 5X machine. Although it can be used on a range of materials, it has been trusted by specialist carpenters for some time now.
It features options for pre-programming jobs, as well as a remote control. So, you can get through a lot of work very quickly to a high standard.
What Is the Best 5-Axis Mini CNC Machine?
The go-to option for compact 5-axis CNC machines is Haas. Haas is a leader across all forms of CNC machining, but its Mini Mill range has proved to be the market leader in small-sized mills used in small business workshops and the like.
These machines can all be placed on benchtops and take up very little space. However, they still offer the same standards of precision as Haas boasts across its range. You won’t be manufacturing large carbon fiber parts, but you can make pretty well any small metal or wood parts.
This is also the best 5-axis machine to go for if you are just starting out in CNC machining. It is going to give you the diversity you need, without the price tag of a machine capable of building rockets.
So, if you are thinking of making an addition to your workshop, give this one a go.
The Best CNC Machine Is Always Unique to Purpose
Now you have a good idea of what the best 5-axis CNC machine is in three categories. But the thing you always have to remember is that the choice you make needs to be made specifically to your needs.
Different 5-axis CNC machines are built for variations, including object size and material. So, don’t just go out there and buy the most expensive machine you can find. Work out the scope of your use of the machine and go from there.
Once you get one of these machines in your workshop you are going to be coming up with excuses to use it. They are so versatile and can produce some amazing objects. So, why not get involved and start CNC machining today?
Also, if you’ve found this information useful, why not check out some of our other great articles on tech and engineering while you are at it?
