A question we often get from customers sending in drawings: Can this part be done on a 3-axis machine? Does it need 5-axis? Or is mill-turn the faster option?
At Alishi Mold Technology, we run 3-axis, 4-axis, 5-axis, and mill-turn machines in our own workshop. After years of prototyping work, we know exactly which machine handles which structure. Here's a breakdown to help you figure things out before sending your drawing.
3-Axis CNC
3-axis handles straightforward structures: machining features on a single face, hole directions all aligned, no angled holes on the side, no undercuts. Panels, base plates, heat sinks, housing covers, fixture plates — that's 3-axis territory. Our 3-axis machines cover strokes from 600 mm to 1800 mm. Large panels go straight onto the big machines, no splitting required. Accuracy holds within ±0.05 mm, flatness and parallelism included. If the structure fits, 3-axis gives you the lowest cost.
5-Axis CNC
Parts with multiple faces, hole directions that don't line up, or concentricity requirements — that's where 5-axis comes in. Angled holes, contoured surfaces, and any job requiring one setup to keep a single reference across all faces — that's the advantage of 5-axis simultaneous machining. The part stays put, every surface comes off the same datum, and GD&T is locked in by the machine, not by an operator re-picking edges. Our 5-axis capacity runs from 150 mm to 1200 mm in diameter. We run Beijing Jingdiao 5-axis machines with on-machine probing, so inspection reports come out the moment the part is done.
Mill-Turn
Rotary parts with external threads, off-center holes on the end face, or radial slots on the side — mill-turn is the most efficient approach. Turning and milling are done in one setup. No unloading the part after turning and setting it up again on a machining center. The relative position between threads and eccentric holes is guaranteed by the machine's C-axis indexing. We hold multi-start thread pitch within ±0.02 mm and eccentric hole position within ±0.03 mm. Max swing diameter 500 mm, length 800 mm. Materials include aluminum alloy, stainless steel, and brass.
How to Choose
Rotary part with threads and eccentric holes? Look at mill-turn. Hole directions all the same? 3-axis gets it done. Multiple faces with concentricity callouts? Go 5-axis. If you're not sure, just send us the drawing. Our engineers will get back with a machining plan and lead time within the same day.
Yongen Forming Technology Co., Ltd— Source factory with in-house CNC machines, 3-axis / 4-axis / 5-axis / mill-turn capability. Custom machining from drawings, 24/7 online, inquiries welcome.
