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
Magnesium
Magnesium & Magnesium Alloy Materials
Titanium
Titanium
Low-Carbon Steel
Low-Carbon (Mild) Steel Material
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel Material & Alloys
Copper
Copper Material & Copper Alloys
Brass
Brass Material & Brass Alloys
Aluminum
Aluminum Material & Aluminum Alloys
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 it suitable for scenarios with high requirements for strength, rigidity, and dimensional accuracy. It features high strength, high rigidity, and heat resistance, and is ideal for automotive parts, electrical enclosures, and structural components.
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, high-voltage insulators, and electronic components.
Additionally, PTFE maintains stable performance during long-term use across an extreme temperature range from -200°C (ultra-low temperature) to 260°C (high temperature), enabling its use in harsh environments such as aerospace systems, deep-sea equipment, and high-temperature industrial apparatus.
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) Engineering Material
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 construction, industry, packaging, and healthcare.
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 lenses and stage light covers.
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 in the automotive, aerospace, and medical industries. With its remarkable combination of properties, nylon stands out as a versatile and reliable material for a diverse range of CNC machining 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 impact performance, offering a cost-effective balance of mechanical and processing properties.
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 for applications such as orthotic and prosthetic devices, water storage, and tanks.
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.
