5 Axis Machining Centers

5 axis machining centers are advanced CNC milling machines designed to machine complex parts by moving the cutting tool or workpiece across five different axes simultaneously. These machines allow manufacturers to produce intricate geometries and tight tolerances in a single setup, making them essential in industries such as aerospace manufacturing, medical device production, automotive engineering, and precision component machining.

Compared to traditional 3-axis machining centers, 5 axis machines allow tools to approach the workpiece from multiple angles, reducing the need for repositioning and improving machining efficiency. This capability helps manufacturers reduce setup time, improve part accuracy, and produce complex components more efficiently.

MMI offers used 5 axis machining centers for sale from leading manufacturers including Haas, Mazak, Okuma, DMG Mori, Makino, Doosan, DN Solutions, Fanuc, Brother, Bridgeport, Mori Seiki, and Matsuura. Browse our inventory below or contact our team if you need help locating a specific machine.

What Is a 5 Axis Machining Center?

A 5 axis machining center is a CNC milling machine capable of moving along five different axes simultaneously. Traditional milling machines operate on three linear axes:

• X axis (left to right)
• Y axis (front to back)
• Z axis (up and down)
   

5 axis machines add two additional rotational axes that allow the cutting tool or workpiece to rotate during machining operations.

These additional axes allow the machine to approach the part from multiple directions without repositioning the workpiece.

This capability enables manufacturers to machine complex components such as:

• aerospace structural components
• turbine blades
• medical implants
• automotive engine components
• mold and die tooling
   

By machining multiple surfaces in a single setup, 5 axis machines improve both accuracy and efficiency.

Types of 5 Axis Machining Centers

5 axis machines typically fall into two categories:

3+2 Positional 5 Axis

In positional 5 axis machining, the rotary axes position the workpiece at a specific angle before the machining operation begins. The cutting tool then machines the part using the traditional X, Y, and Z axes.

This approach is commonly used for parts that require machining on multiple angled surfaces but do not require continuous multi-axis motion.

Simultaneous 5 Axis Machining

Simultaneous 5 axis machining allows all five axes to move at the same time during the cutting process.

This method is used to produce extremely complex surfaces and geometries, such as turbine blades or aerospace components.

Simultaneous machining improves surface finish and reduces the need for multiple setups.

Popular 5 Axis Machining Center Series

Many machine tool manufacturers produce well-known 5 axis machining platforms. These machine families are commonly searched by buyers looking for specific machines.

Haas UMC Series

Haas produces the UMC Series, which has become one of the most widely used entry-level 5 axis platforms.

Common models include:

• Haas UMC-500
• Haas UMC-750
• Haas UMC-1000
   

These machines are widely used in job shops and production environments that need affordable 5 axis capability.

Mazak VARIAXIS Series

Mazak produces several 5 axis machines in the Variaxis Series.

Popular models include:

• Mazak VARIAXIS i-600
• Mazak VARIAXIS i-700
• Mazak VARIAXIS j-600
   

Mazak 5 axis machines are commonly used in aerospace and high-precision machining applications.

Okuma MU Series

Okuma produces advanced 5 axis machines in the MU Series.

Common machines include:

• Okuma MU-4000V
• Okuma MU-5000V
• Okuma MU-6300V
   

These machines are widely used in precision manufacturing environments.

DMG Mori DMU Series

DMG Mori is known for its DMU Series of 5 axis machining centers.

Popular machines include:

• DMG Mori DMU 50
• DMG Mori DMU 65
• DMG Mori DMU 80

These machines are commonly found in aerospace and medical manufacturing facilities.

Makino D Series

Makino produces high-performance 5 axis machines such as the D Series.

Common models include:

• Makino D200Z
• Makino D500

These machines are known for extremely precise machining capability and are frequently used in aerospace and mold manufacturing.

Matsuura MX Series

Matsuura is well known for its MX Series.

Popular machines include:

• Matsuura MX-520
• Matsuura MX-850

These machines are designed for high precision machining and often include pallet automation systems for high-volume production.

Industries That Use 5 Axis Machining Centers

5 axis machining centers are widely used in industries that require complex machining operations and tight tolerances.

Common industries include:

• aerospace manufacturing
• medical device production
• automotive component manufacturing
• mold and die manufacturing
• energy and turbine component production
   

These machines allow manufacturers to produce parts with complex geometries while maintaining excellent dimensional accuracy.

Why Manufacturers Use 5 Axis Machines

Manufacturers invest in 5 axis machining centers because they offer several advantages:

• reduced setup time
• improved machining accuracy
• ability to machine complex geometries
• improved surface finish
• reduced need for multiple fixtures
   

By completing more operations in a single setup, manufacturers can improve efficiency and reduce overall production time.

Find Used 5 Axis Machining Centers

MMI helps manufacturers locate used 5 axis machining centers for sale from trusted sellers across the country. If you do not see the exact machine you need, contact our team and we can help source additional machines through our network.