HAAS 5-axis CNC machining process

Custom CNC Milling Services for Precision Parts

Upload your drawing or 3D model for custom metal, plastic, composite and machinable-ceramic parts. We support prototypes, low-volume orders and repeat production with drawing-based inspection.

  • Custom CNC-milled parts
  • Tolerances down to ±0.002 in
  • Prototype and batch production
  • Critical dimensions inspected
Upload Your Drawing

Choose the Right CNC Milling Process

Select the axis configuration according to feature access, part geometry and setup requirements.

3-axis CNC milling machine interior

3-Axis CNC Milling

For plates, brackets, housings, pockets and features reached from one primary direction.

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4-axis CNC milling process

4-Axis CNC Milling

For cylindrical parts, side holes, slots and circumferential features with fewer reorientations.

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5-axis CNC milling stainless steel engine part

5-Axis CNC Milling

For compound angles and multi-face parts using 3+2 positioning or simultaneous five-axis motion.

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CNC Milling Materials

Select metals or engineering plastics, then compare each material's characteristics, service environment, common parts, grades and finishing options.

Final material, temper, filler, certification and finish are confirmed against the drawing, service conditions and supplier data sheet.

CNC Milling Capabilities and Design Guidelines

Select the machining route by part geometry, tool access and setup strategy.

Process Factor3-Axis4-Axis3+2-Axis5-Axis
Cutting motionX, Y and Z linear motionX, Y and Z plus one rotary axisRotary axes index and lock; X, Y and Z perform the cutAll five axes move during cutting
Best-fit geometryPlates, pockets, slots and prismatic partsRadial holes and cylindrical featuresAngled holes and multiple fixed orientationsContinuous contours and freeform surfaces
Setup and accessEfficient for directly accessible facesReduces reclamping around the workpieceReaches angled faces with fewer setupsMaintains tool orientation on complex surfaces
Nominal work envelopeUp to 2000 × 1000 × 1000 mmUp to 1500 × 1000 × 800 mmUp to 1500 × 1000 × 1000 mm*Up to 1500 × 1000 × 1000 mm*

*Multi-axis capacity varies with rotary angle, fixture height and tool clearance.

Machining and Inspection Baseline

Linear Tolerance±0.10 mm
Critical FeaturesDown to ±0.05 mm
As-Machined FinishRa 1.6–3.2 μm
Finish MillingRa 0.8–1.6 μm

Drawing specifications take precedence.

Four Practical DFM Checks

Internal Radii

Use the largest practical radius to improve tool rigidity and reduce machining time.

Walls and Deep Pockets

Avoid thin walls and excessive depth to reduce vibration and distortion.

Threads and Holes

Specify the thread standard and depth. Review holes deeper than 3–4×D.

Datums and Inspection

Define functional datums and apply tight tolerances only to critical features.

CNC Milling Process & Quality Control

Drawing requirements are reviewed before production and verified with suitable inspection equipment before shipment.

  1. DFM & Programming

    Review geometry, datums, tolerances and tool access before creating toolpaths.

  2. Workpiece Setup

    Prepare stock, fixtures, tools and machining coordinates.

  3. CNC Milling

    Run the approved program with controlled tooling, cooling and in-process checks.

  4. Inspection

    Verify critical dimensions with gauges, optical equipment or CMM.

  5. Finish & Delivery

    Complete approved post-processing, protection, labeling and packing.

CNC Milling Applications

Precision milling supports functional parts across demanding industrial applications.

Aerospace

Lightweight brackets, housings, structural components and engine-related parts.

Automotive

Powertrain housings, fixtures, EV components and development parts.

Mold & Die

Mold inserts, cavities, cores, electrodes and precision tooling components.

Electronics

Heat sinks, enclosures, device frames and precision mounting features.

Medical Equipment

Instrument parts, device housings, fixtures and non-implant components.

CNC Milling FAQ

What controls achievable CNC milling tolerance?

Material stability, feature size, wall thickness, datum strategy, tool access, setup count and inspection method all affect tolerance. Critical dimensions should be explicitly defined on the drawing.

What is the difference between CNC milling and 3D printing?

CNC milling removes material from solid stock and suits precision metal or rigid-plastic parts. 3D printing builds parts layer by layer and better supports some internal or highly complex forms.

When should 4-axis or 5-axis milling be used?

Use multi-axis machining for angled, contoured or multi-sided features when fewer setups improve access, consistency or cycle time.

What files are required for a CNC milling quote?

Send a STEP model and a 2D drawing for critical tolerances, threads, roughness and inspection requirements. Include material, quantity and finish.

Which materials require a special machining review?

Flexible elastomers, filled engineering plastics, abrasive composites and brittle machinable ceramics require grade-specific tooling, fixturing and edge-quality review.

Upload Your CNC Milling Drawings

Send the drawing, material, quantity, tolerances and finish requirements. Our engineers will review manufacturability and provide a clear production quote.

Upload Drawing for a Quote
CNC drawing prepared for engineering review