SYIL Machine Tools Official Blog

4 and 5 Axis CNC Machining: What's the Difference?

Written by SYIL Editor | Jun 9, 2025 5:22:00 PM

Benefits of 4 and 5 Axis CNC Machining

There are many 4 axis CNC benefits, as well as 5-axis CNC machining, including the ability to create complex shapes, machine multiple sides of a workpiece, and carve intricate designs. Additionally, CNC machining is relatively quick and efficient, making it ideal for mass production.

4 and 5-axis CNC machining offer many advantages over traditional manufacturing methods, making them the preferred choice for many applications. When deciding which type of machining is right for your project, consider the following factors:

  • 4 and 5-axis CNC machining can be used to create complex shapes that would be difficult or impossible to produce with traditional methods. If you need to produce a shape that is significantly more complex than a simple cube or cylinder, CNC machining is likely your best option.
  • 4-axis CNC machining can be used to machine multiple sides of a workpiece in one operation, which is ideal for mass production. If you only need to machine one side of the workpiece, 3-axis machining may be sufficient.
  • 5-axis CNC machining can be used to carve intricate designs into objects. If your project requires detailed and precise carving, 5-axis CNC machining is the best option.

Choose the machining method that is best suited for the material you are working with. CNC machining is generally more expensive than traditional manufacturing methods. The cost of the machine itself as well as the complexity of programming can add to the overall expense.

However, the increased accuracy and precision of CNC machining may justify the added cost for your project.

Additional Considerations to Make for CNC Machining

No matter what type of CNC machining you're planning on doing, there are a few additional considerations to keep in mind. These include:

Decide on the type of CNC machine that you need based on the project you're working on. For example, if you need to machine complex shapes, a 4-axis or 5-axis machine may be necessary.

Make sure that the CNC machine you choose is large enough to accommodate the size of your project.

The Materials You're Working With: Choose the right type of CNC machine for the material you're working with. For example, if you're machining metal, you'll need a different type of machine than if you're machining plastic.

CNC machines can be expensive, so make sure to factor this into your budget. You may also need to factor in the cost of hiring someone to operate the machine for you.

CNC machining is a versatile and precise manufacturing process that can be used to create a wide variety of products. By understanding the different types of CNC machines and the applications they're best suited for, you can choose the right machine for your project.

So Which One Do You Need?

The type of CNC machining you need will depend on the complexity of the shapes you need to create and the number of sides you need to machine.

If you only need to create simple shapes or machine one side of an object, a 3-axis machine will suffice. But if you need to create complex shapes or machine multiple sides of an object, a 4- or 5-axis machine will be necessary.

No matter which type of CNC machining you need, SYIL Machine Tools can help.

We have 20 years of experience in CNC machining and our machines can work with various materials. Contact us today to learn more about our machines or to get a quote for your next mill!.