Flexible Custom 5-Axis CNC Machining Services
Horizon offers advanced 5-axis CNC machining services capable of producing complex, high-precision components with exceptional surface finishes. This technology enables the accurate machining of intricate geometries and tight-tolerance features, fully meeting demanding design requirements.
What is 5-axis Machining?
5-Axis CNC machining is an advanced manufacturing process that allows cutting tools to move simultaneously along five different axes. This capability is essential for efficiently producing complex, high-precision parts while minimizing setups and ensuring consistent accuracy. Industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical device manufacturing rely heavily on 5-axis machining to create intricate components that demand exceptional precision and surface quality.
Key Advantages of Five-Axis CNC:
- Efficient machining of complex parts
- Fewer setups and reduced errors
- Greater accuracy and superior surface finish
- Improved overall productivity
We offer the most comprehensive custom machining service, from prototypes delivered in a single day to complex parts at production volumes. In addition to our vast machining capabilities, our global network offers solutions for larger, more complex parts and tighter tolerances, with most orders quoted instantly.
How to Work With Us
How to Work With Us
Our ordering process
Why Choose 5-Axis Machining with Horizon
With numerous precision machining providers to choose from, why should you partner with Horizon? Here are four key reasons that set us apart:
3+2 Axis Machining Vs Simultaneous
Strictly speaking, 3+2 axis machining also uses five axes, but it differs from true simultaneous 5-axis machining. In 3+2 machining, the cutting tool is positioned using two rotary axes before the three linear axes perform the cutting. In contrast, simultaneous 5-axis machining moves all five axes at once, allowing for faster production and superior surface quality on complex, contoured parts.
Feature
Simultaneous 5-Axis Machining
3+2 Axis Machining
Movement
Simultaneous 5-axis machining continuously moves all axes, allowing the cutting tool to glide smoothly between passes for faster, more efficient production.
In 3+2 axis machining, the cutting tool moves along the X, Y, and Z axes while the fourth and fifth axes adjust to a fixed angle. Although this method can be slower than simultaneous five-axis CNC, it improves part rigidity and extends tool life.
Suitable Parts
Highly complex parts with continuous surfaces and high precision
Complex parts with limited continuous surfaces
Efficiency
Multiple setups often required
Most operations completed in a single setup, faster production
Surface Quality
Produces smoother finishes with fewer tool marks
May require additional finishing due to repositioning
Tool Load & Life
Optimized cutting angles reduce vibration, extend tool life
Cutting force concentrated due to fixed angles
Cost
Higher initial cost, ideal for high-precision and complex parts
Relatively lower, suitable for moderately complex parts
Quality Assurance
| Driven by excellence, we embed quality into every detail—from advanced tools to rigorous standards. We ensure consistent, outstanding quality. | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Advanced Inspection Equipment | ||||
| We employ professional inspection equipment for precise measurement and validation. A spectrometer analyzes metal composition, a 2.5D measuring instrument verifies detailed features, a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) inspects complex three-dimensional structures, and height gauges ensure the accuracy of fundamental dimensions. | |||||
| 2 | Strict quality management system | ||||
| From first article inspection to in-process checks and final pre-shipment testing, every stage is governed by a rigorous management system to ensure consistent quality. | |||||
| IQC（Incoming Quality Control） | FAI (First Article Inspection) | ||||
| IPQC（In-Process Quality Control） | CMM inspection report | ||||
| FQC（Final Quality Control） | DIR(Dimensional Inspection Report ) | ||||
| OQC（Outgoing Quality Control） | CAR（Corrective and Preventive Action Report） | ||||
| Material Certificates | ISO 9001 | ||||
Materials Used in 5-Axis CNC Projects
Beyond a well-designed engineering plan, choosing the right material can significantly reduce overall costs. Horizon offers a wide range of material options to suit different project needs. If you need guidance in selecting the most suitable material for your 5-axis CNC project, feel free to contact us—our experts are here to help!
Metal
Inconel
Inconel Superalloy Materials Inconel alloys are a family of high-performance nickel-chromium superalloys known for their exceptional strength, oxidation resistance, and high-temperature stability. These alloys are widely used in extreme environments where components are subjected to high temperatures, pressure, or mechanical loads.
Magnesium
Magnesium & Magnesium Alloy Materials Magnesium (Mg) and its alloys are among the lightest structural metals available, offering exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, good thermal conductivity, and beneficial vibration-damping properties. These materials are increasingly attractive for advanced engineering uses such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics applications where weight reduction is critical.
Titanium
Titanium Titanium is a lightweight yet high-strength metal known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, excellent corrosion resistance, and outstanding biocompatibility. It maintains stable mechanical properties across high and low temperatures and features a low thermal expansion coefficient, making it ideal for demanding applications. Thanks to these superior properties, titanium and titanium alloys are widely used
Steel Mild Low Carbon
Low-Carbon (Mild) Steel Material Low-carbon steel is a type of carbon steel with low carbon content, typically referring to steel materials with a carbon content ranging from 0.02% to 0.30%. Due to its low carbon content, it is also known as “mild steel.” Its performance characteristics are particularly notable: compared to medium-carbon steel and high-carbon
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel Material & Alloys Stainless steel is a family of corrosion-resistant iron alloys developed to withstand oxidation, corrosion, and wear. Thanks to its excellent durability, mechanical strength, and versatile formability, stainless steel is widely used across industries requiring long-term performance—even in harsh or aggressive environments. Its favorable operational and welding properties can fully meet
Copper
Copper Material & Copper Alloys Copper is a metal that is corrosion-resistant, extremely electrically conductive, and highly ductile. Its glossy orange-red appearance is instantly recognizable, and the metal remains aesthetically appealing even during its natural oxidation process—where environmental reactions form a bluish-green coating known as patina. However, it should be noted that copper’s weldability is
Brass
Brass Material & Brass Alloys Explore HorizonRP’s brass materials—offering excellent machinability, corrosion resistance, and attractive appearance. Ideal for hardware, plumbing, decorative, electrical, and industrial applications. Brass is an alloy composed of copper and zinc, with a golden color and excellent weather and corrosion resistance. Its tensile strength is comparable to that of mild steel. In
Aluminum
Aluminum Material & Aluminum Alloys Aluminum is highly favored in CNC machining due to its low density, excellent mechanical properties, superior thermal and electrical conductivity, and outstanding corrosion resistance. Among aluminum alloys, 6061-T651, 7075-T651, and 2024-T351 are widely used for their ideal balance of strength, machinability, and cost.
Plastic
PC+ABS
PC/ABS (Polycarbonate‑ABS Blend) Plastic Material PC+ABS is a blend-modified material that combines the advantages of both materials. It not only inherits the high impact resistance of PC but also the material strength of ABS, while improving its heat resistance. It is often used in electronic product casings, automotive interiors, consumer products, and more.
CPVC
CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) Plastic Material CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) is a modified form of PVC, with enhanced thermal stability, mechanical properties, and chemical resistance. These upgraded characteristics make CPVC an excellent choice for applications in high-temperature and corrosive environments where ordinary PVC would fail.
PC+GF
PC+GF(Glass‑Fiber Reinforced Polycarbonate) Material PC+GF (polycarbonate + glass fiber reinforced composite material) is a reinforced engineering plastic made by adding glass fiber (abbreviated as GF) to a polycarbonate (PC) matrix. The addition of glass fiber can significantly improve the mechanical properties and stability of pure PC while retaining some of PC’s excellent inherent properties, making
PEI
PEI (Polyetherimide) Engineering Material PEI (polyetherimide) is a high-performance thermoplastic known for excellent heat resistance, mechanical strength, and chemical stability. It is widely used in demanding applications across aerospace, electronics, medical, and industrial fields.
PTFE
PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commonly known as Teflon, is a high-performance fluoropolymer. It is frequently used in mechanical components requiring reduced friction and wear—such as bearings, gears, and piston rings—due to its non-stick properties, low friction characteristics, and self-lubricating capabilities. PTFE also exhibits excellent electrical insulation properties, making it highly suitable for applications like high-frequency cables,
LDPE
LDPE Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is lighter than water, soft and tough, with excellent acid and alkali resistance as well as electrical insulation properties. It is widely used in fields such as packaging, agriculture, electronics, and daily necessities.
PP
PP Polypropylene (PP) is a well-balanced thermoplastic characterized by lightweight material, excellent chemical resistance, and good flexibility. Owing to these properties, it finds wide application in fields such as packaging, household appliances, automotive, daily necessities, and medical devices.
PET
PET PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is a common thermoplastic polyester with excellent mechanical properties and strong chemical resistance. It also offers glass-like transparency and luster, with a high light transmittance of about 88–92%, and is widely used in beverage bottles, food packaging, and engineering plastics.
PVC
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Plastic Material Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a widely used thermoplastic polymer material characterized by excellent mechanical properties, outstanding corrosion resistance, and superior electrical insulation performance. By incorporating various additives, it can be tailored to meet customized requirements. Owing to its unique combination of properties, PVC finds extensive applications in fields such as
PC
PC (Polycarbonate) Engineering Material PC (polycarbonate) is a versatile engineering plastic known for its high impact resistance, optical transparency, and good thermal stability. It combines toughness, heat resistance, and aesthetic clarity, making it suitable for a wide array of applications.
PMMA (Acrylic)
PMMA (Acrylic) Engineering Material Acrylic (also known as polymethyl methacrylate, PMMA) boasts not only excellent optical performance but also outstanding UV resistance. With a light transmittance of up to 92%—comparable to glass—it has become a popular material in scenarios ranging from neon signs in shopping malls and display case panels in museums to precision optical
PEEK
PEEK (Polyetheretherketone) Engineering Material PEEK (polyetheretherketone) is a premium thermoplastic widely recognized for its exceptional thermal stability, mechanical strength, chemical resistance, dimensional stability, and in many cases biocompatibility and electrical insulation. It is used in extreme environments like aerospace, medical implants, electronics, and semiconductor industries.
Nylon
Nylon (Polyamide) Engineering Material Nylon (polyamide) is a versatile engineering thermoplastic known for its high strength, excellent wear resistance, good chemical stability, and toughness. It is widely used across industries for gears, bearings, bushings, automotive components, industrial parts, and more. Its ease of machining, coupled with its chemical resistance, also makes it suitable for applications
POM
POM (Polyoxymethylene / Acetal) Engineering Material POM (polyoxymethylene), also known as acetal, is a high‑performance engineering thermoplastic valued for its rigidity, low friction, excellent wear resistance, and good dimensional stability. It is often used in precision mechanical parts that require durable, low‑maintenance performance.
HIPS
HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene) Material HIPS, or High Impact Polystyrene, is a modified polystyrene polymer enhanced with rubber modifiers (usually polybutadiene) to improve toughness and durability. The result is a rigid yet impact-resistant thermoplastic that retains good processability, making it popular in prototyping, manufacturing, and consumer products. HIPS combines the stiffness of polystyrene with improved
HDPE
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) Material High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is a thermoplastic polymer with high strength-to-density ratio, known for durability, chemical resistance, and ease of processing. As a semi-crystalline plastic, it offers excellent impact performance, low moisture uptake, and good machinability — making it a popular choice in industrial, chemical, packaging, and structural applications. It is great
ABS
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) Material ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a widely used engineering thermoplastic known for its excellent balance of strength, toughness, and processability. Because it combines rigidity from acrylonitrile and styrene with impact resistance from butadiene, ABS is commonly used in consumer products, enclosures, housings, and structural components.
Trunnion vs.Swivel-Rotate:Comparing 5-Axis Machine styles
5 axis CNC machines can have different configurations. All have spindles thattravel along the X, Y and Z axes, but machines can add the two “extra” axes indifferent ways, The most common types of 5-axis CNC machine are trunnion-style machines and swivel-rotate-style machines, Some machines combinefeatures of both.
Trunnion Style 5-Axis Machine
Swivel Rotate Style 5-Axis Machine
Workpiece Movement
Moving table (tilts and rotates)
Stationary table, moving spindle
Axis Configuration
A-Axis (tilt), C-Axis (rotate)
B-Axis (tilt), C-Axis (rotate)
Tool Length
Requires longer tools
Uses shorter tools
Machining stability
Moderate (depends on table weight limit)
High (stable table, reduced vibration)
Surface Finish and Post-Processing Options
As machined
The machined or deburring finish is the standard finish where unwanted attach chips are removed with deburring tools, and sharp edges are chamfered to smooth the surface (3.2 μm).
Bead Blasted
Bead blasting produces a matte texture, removing all the marks of machining tools. It applies to ABS, Aluminum, Brass, Stainless Steel, and Steel parts.
Anodizing
Anodizing involves adding an aluminum oxide coating to aluminum and its alloys. The layers, which come in various colors, increase strength and shield the surface from corrosion.
Alodine
Provides excellent corrosion resistance property to the aluminum parts with greenish-gold color. It is the low-cost and quick surface finishing approach.
Polishing
Physical rubbing of a metal surface to create a shiny surface is called a polishing surface finish. It increases the reflectivity and does not affect the dimensional stability of parts.
Brushing
Brushing is achieved by applying an abrasive brush to the metal surface, which produces a unidirectional satin finish. And it is not recommended for highly corrosive materials.
Sanding
Provides a random, non-linear texture with a shiny, high gloss finish. However, it might be unable to create sharp corners and pockets
Black-Oxide
Black oxide finish reduces surface reflectivity and offers mild corrosion protection. It involves adding a thin layer of magnetite to the surface.
Electroplating
Electroplating increases the hardness of the steel &aluminum parts. It offers excellent corrosion, wears, and abrasion resistance.
Electroless Nickel Plating
A thin layer of Nickel is created on the surface from a nickel-containing solution without electrolysis. Electro-less nickel plating provides a shiny appearance, excellent hardness, abrasive, wear, and corrosion-resistance to the substrate material.
Chrome Plating
Chrome plating is widely used in various industries, which not only enhances the beautiful appearance of the product, but also improves the performance of the product, such as corrosion resistance, oxidation resistance, abrasion resistance, hardness, etc.
Passivation
Enhance the appearance and functionality of the parts. After Passivation, parts of Steel and its alloys become super resistive from corrosion.
CNC Machining for Various Industrial Applications
Consumer Electronics
Prototyping and on-demand production of consumer electronics products.
