5-axis machining centers represent the pinnacle of technical evolution in the world of mechanical engineering, allowing infinite machining operations on parts of various shapes and sizes with absolute precision.... At Makinate, you will find a wide selection of high-quality used 5-axis machining centers from the best international manufacturers such as Mazak, DMG Mori, Doosan, Hermle, Emco, Mori Seiki, Kitamura, and many other leading brands in the multi-axis machine tool sector.
Technology and capabilities of 5-axis machining centers
5-axis machining allows for complex operations on components of different shapes and sizes with a level of precision and flexibility that is impossible to achieve with traditional machines. The term "5-axis" refers to the unique ability of these machines to move the milling tool in five different directions. In addition to the X, Y, and Z axes, common to all milling machines, 5-axis machining centers allow the tool to rotate in a controlled manner around both the A and B axes, offering total freedom of movement and full access to all surfaces of the part.
Rotary axis configuration
The A-axis represents the rotation axis of the head where the tool is mounted, while the B-axis usually represents the rotation axis of the table. This configuration allows the tool to approach the workpiece from any possible direction, enabling machining on five sides of the component with a single machine setup. This results in enormous time savings, eliminating the need to manually reposition the part, and allows the production of finished components with extremely high-precision finishes and very tight tolerances.
Continuous vs indexed 5-axis centers
5-axis machining can be distinguished based on the simultaneity of axis movements. There are two main types of 5-axis machining centers:
True 5-axis centers (continuous): all five axes can move simultaneously during machining, allowing the machine to create even very complex geometries during the production cycle
Indexed 5-axis centers: the A and B axes are locked in the desired position before the standard 3-axis milling program is executed
In simultaneous 5-axis machining, the operator does not need to manually orient the tool to the desired position, as this is done automatically by the machine through CNC control, ensuring absolute repeatability and consistent precision.
Productivity advantages and applications
5-axis machining centers offer numerous competitive advantages over traditional machines:
Complete part machining in a single setup, drastically reducing setup times
Elimination of repositioning errors and improved geometric accuracy
Capability to produce complex surfaces, undercuts, and 3D geometries impossible with 3-axis machines
Reduced overall machining times due to optimal tool access to the workpiece
Improved surface finish thanks to optimal tool angles
Ideal for sectors such as aerospace, automotive, complex molds, medical equipment, and advanced prototyping
Technical specifications and configurations
The 5-axis machining centers available in our catalog feature various technical configurations. The linear axis travels (X, Y, and Z) typically range from 350-400 mm up to over 2000 mm depending on the model and application. The rotary and tilting tables range from 400 x 400 mm up to 1250 x 800 mm and beyond, with load capacities from 300 kg up to over 1200 kg for the more robust models. Rotary axes typically offer full 360° rotation on the C-axis (table rotation) and variable tilt ranges on the A or B axes (from -110° to +110° or from -120° to +30°, depending on configuration).
High-performance spindles
The spindles installed on 5-axis machining centers are designed for high performance. Common tool holders include HSK 40, HSK 63, ISO 40, ISO 50, and SK-40, with rotation speeds reaching 12,000–15,000 rpm on standard models, up to 18,000–32,000 rpm on high-speed versions for aluminum and light materials. Power ranges from 17 kW up to 35 kW and beyond, ensuring high material removal rates even on difficult materials.
Advanced numerical controls
5-axis machining centers require sophisticated numerical controls capable of managing the complex kinematics of all five axes simultaneously. Main installed controls include Heidenhain (iTNC 530, iTNC 640), Fanuc (16iMB, 18iMB5), Siemens (840D), Mazatrol (Smooth and other versions), and Selca. These advanced CNC systems allow programming of complex toolpaths, kinematic compensation, collision control, and toolpath optimization to maximize production efficiency.5-axis machining centers are typically equipped with automatic tool magazines from 30 to 80 positions or more, laser tool measurement systems for length and diameter, Renishaw probes or equivalent in-machine measurement systems, high-pressure cooling systems (15–50 bar), chip conveyors, spindle cooling systems, coolant filtration and preparation units, and tool breakage monitoring and control systems.
Why choose used 5-axis machining centers on Makinate
Purchasing used 5-axis machining centers is a strategic investment for companies requiring advanced technology for complex machining. Each center in our catalog comes with a complete technical sheet detailing axis type (continuous or indexed), linear and rotary axis travels, table dimensions and load capacity, spindle characteristics, installed numerical control type, tool magazine capacity, installed optional equipment, and general maintenance condition. Used 5-axis machining centers provide access to cutting-edge production technologies at a significantly lower investment compared to new machines, while maintaining the ability to machine complex geometries with maximum precision and top-quality finishes.
5-axis machining centers represent the pinnacle of technical evolution in the world of mechanical engineering, allowing infinite machining operations on parts of various shapes and sizes with absolute precision. At Makinate, you will find a wide selection of high-quality used 5-axis machining centers from the best international manufacturers such as Mazak, DMG Mori, Doosan, Hermle, Emco, Mori Seiki, Kitamura,... and many other leading brands in the multi-axis machine tool sector.
Technology and capabilities of 5-axis machining centers
5-axis machining allows for complex operations on components of different shapes and sizes with a level of precision and flexibility that is impossible to achieve with traditional machines. The term "5-axis" refers to the unique ability of these machines to move the milling tool in five different directions. In addition to the X, Y, and Z axes, common to all milling machines, 5-axis machining centers allow the tool to rotate in a controlled manner around both the A and B axes, offering total freedom of movement and full access to all surfaces of the part.
Rotary axis configuration
The A-axis represents the rotation axis of the head where the tool is mounted, while the B-axis usually represents the rotation axis of the table. This configuration allows the tool to approach the workpiece from any possible direction, enabling machining on five sides of the component with a single machine setup. This results in enormous time savings, eliminating the need to manually reposition the part, and allows the production of finished components with extremely high-precision finishes and very tight tolerances.
Continuous vs indexed 5-axis centers
5-axis machining can be distinguished based on the simultaneity of axis movements. There are two main types of 5-axis machining centers:
True 5-axis centers (continuous): all five axes can move simultaneously during machining, allowing the machine to create even very complex geometries during the production cycle
Indexed 5-axis centers: the A and B axes are locked in the desired position before the standard 3-axis milling program is executed
In simultaneous 5-axis machining, the operator does not need to manually orient the tool to the desired position, as this is done automatically by the machine through CNC control, ensuring absolute repeatability and consistent precision.
Productivity advantages and applications
5-axis machining centers offer numerous competitive advantages over traditional machines:
Complete part machining in a single setup, drastically reducing setup times
Elimination of repositioning errors and improved geometric accuracy
Capability to produce complex surfaces, undercuts, and 3D geometries impossible with 3-axis machines
Reduced overall machining times due to optimal tool access to the workpiece
Improved surface finish thanks to optimal tool angles
Ideal for sectors such as aerospace, automotive, complex molds, medical equipment, and advanced prototyping
Technical specifications and configurations
The 5-axis machining centers available in our catalog feature various technical configurations. The linear axis travels (X, Y, and Z) typically range from 350-400 mm up to over 2000 mm depending on the model and application. The rotary and tilting tables range from 400 x 400 mm up to 1250 x 800 mm and beyond, with load capacities from 300 kg up to over 1200 kg for the more robust models. Rotary axes typically offer full 360° rotation on the C-axis (table rotation) and variable tilt ranges on the A or B axes (from -110° to +110° or from -120° to +30°, depending on configuration).
High-performance spindles
The spindles installed on 5-axis machining centers are designed for high performance. Common tool holders include HSK 40, HSK 63, ISO 40, ISO 50, and SK-40, with rotation speeds reaching 12,000–15,000 rpm on standard models, up to 18,000–32,000 rpm on high-speed versions for aluminum and light materials. Power ranges from 17 kW up to 35 kW and beyond, ensuring high material removal rates even on difficult materials.
Advanced numerical controls
5-axis machining centers require sophisticated numerical controls capable of managing the complex kinematics of all five axes simultaneously. Main installed controls include Heidenhain (iTNC 530, iTNC 640), Fanuc (16iMB, 18iMB5), Siemens (840D), Mazatrol (Smooth and other versions), and Selca. These advanced CNC systems allow programming of complex toolpaths, kinematic compensation, collision control, and toolpath optimization to maximize production efficiency.5-axis machining centers are typically equipped with automatic tool magazines from 30 to 80 positions or more, laser tool measurement systems for length and diameter, Renishaw probes or equivalent in-machine measurement systems, high-pressure cooling systems (15–50 bar), chip conveyors, spindle cooling systems, coolant filtration and preparation units, and tool breakage monitoring and control systems.
Why choose used 5-axis machining centers on Makinate
Purchasing used 5-axis machining centers is a strategic investment for companies requiring advanced technology for complex machining. Each center in our catalog comes with a complete technical sheet detailing axis type (continuous or indexed), linear and rotary axis travels, table dimensions and load capacity, spindle characteristics, installed numerical control type, tool magazine capacity, installed optional equipment, and general maintenance condition. Used 5-axis machining centers provide access to cutting-edge production technologies at a significantly lower investment compared to new machines, while maintaining the ability to machine complex geometries with maximum precision and top-quality finishes.
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