4 axis cnc machining service
4-axis CNC machining enables 360° precision with rotary A-axis, completing multi-surface parts in one setup with ±0.01 mm accuracy. Ideal for aerospace, medical, and automotive components with complex geometries.
- Accuracy up to 0.01mm
- ISO 9001:2015 Certified
- Delivery 1-5 days
4-axis cnc machining service with Weldo precison
Weldo offers expert 4-axis CNC machining for 100+ materials, achieving tolerances up to 0.005 mm. Engineers optimize material selection based on application, quality, and cost to ensure performance and maximize value.
what is 4-axis cnc machining ?
4-axis CNC machining is a high-precision manufacturing method within CNC technology. Building upon traditional 3-axis (X/Y/Z linear motion) capabilities, it incorporates an additional rotational axis (typically the A-axis or C-axis).
Through coordinated axis movement, it enables more complex three-dimensional machining to achieve planar or simple solid cutting.
Fourth Axis (Rotary Axis):
A-axis: Rotates around the X-axis (commonly found in vertical machining centers).
C-axis: Rotates around the Z-axis (commonly found in turning-milling centers or simplified versions of five-axis machines).
Function: Enables rotation of the workpiece or tool during machining, facilitating multi-angle and multi-surface processing without frequent re-clamping or adjustments.
Custom 4-axis cnc machining material
10+ years of 4-axis CNC experience, machining 100+ materials with ±0.005 mm tolerance; custom materials available.
Metal material :
Aluminum
Aluminum is the most commonly used precision-machined component. It has a low density, a hard texture, and a soft material. Thanks to its corrosion resistance, it is widely used in aerospace, bionic bones, and automotive parts manufacturing.
Color : Silver.
Types : Aluminum 6061、7075、2024、5052、6063 and MIC-6.
Surface finish : Polishing, Brushing, Sandblasting, Chrome Plating, Anodizing, Electroplating, Powder Coating, Laser Etching.
Delivery time : 1-5 days.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel offers strong corrosion resistance and a smooth, easy-to-clean surface. It is primarily used in kitchen equipment components, medical devices, building materials and construction, as well as automotive parts.
Color : Silver.
Types : Stainless steel 304/316/201/202/430/444/410/420/440c/2205/2507/17-4ph/17-7ph.
Surface finish : Polishing, Brushing, Sandblasting, Electroplating, Spraying, PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition), Passivation, Pickling, Coloring.
Delivery time : 2-5 days.
Copper
Possesses electrical conductivity, tensile ductility, and antimicrobial properties, primarily used for processing into crafts, decorative items, and medical equipment.
Color :Orange,yellow.
Types : copper H59/H62/Hpb59-1/C36000/HAI77-2/HSN62-1/HPb/HMn/HAl/HSn/HNi.
Surface finish : Passivation, Electroplating, Chemical Plating, Shot Peening, Sandblasting, Chemical Film Treatment, Polishing, Bright Cleaning.
Delivery time : 1-5 days.
Bronze
Types : Tin bronze, aluminum bronze, beryllium bronze, silicon bronze, manganese bronze.
Surface finish : Sandblasting, polishing, knurling, grinding, passivation, chemical film coating, impregnation coloring, brush/spray coloring, electroplating, anodizing, powder coating, brushing.
Delivery time : 1-5 days.
Steel
Steel is an iron–carbon alloy with elements like chromium and nickel, offering strength, toughness, wear, and corrosion resistance. It is widely used for bolts, shafts, gears, cutting tools, and engine components like valves and turbine blades.
Color : Silver .
Types : Steel S20C,S45C,S50C,SK85,SK95,40Cr,4140,4130,H13,D2,W1,A2,D2,M2,SKD11,ASP-23,S136.
Surface finish :Sandblasting, Mirror Finish, PVD Coating, Brushed Finish, Spray Coating, Electroplating.
Delivery time : 1-5 days
Magnesium
Magnesium offers low density, good thermal conductivity, and easy machining, improving CNC efficiency. Its high strength-to-weight ratio and strong damping make it ideal for aerospace, automotive, and electronics applications.
Color : Silver.
Types : Magnesium alloy，AZ91D/AM60B/AM50A/AS41B/ZK60/MB8/AZ31/WE43/ZE41/LA141/LZ91.
Surface finish : Chemical conversion coating, anodizing, nickel plating, electroplating, composite coating, spray painting, powder coating, electrophoretic coating.
Delivery time : 1-5 days.
Plastic material :
ABS
Color : Beige,black.
Types : General-purpose, flame-retardant, heat-resistant, high-impact-resistant, transparent (MBS), filled modified, alloyed, functionalized ABS.
Surface finish :Spray coating, electroplating, screen printing, laser engraving, hot stamping, vacuum coating, water transfer printing, sandblasting, anti-fingerprint coating.
Delivery time : 1-5 days.
PVC
Rigid PVC: Density approximately 1.35 g/cm³, high mechanical strength, tensile strength up to 34.5–49 MPa, elongation 20–40%, strong resistance to acids, alkalis, and oils, aging resistant, suitable for chemical and corrosive environments.
Color : White,Beige,black.
Types : Rigid PVC and Flexible PVC.
Surface finish : Painting and plating, polishing, sanding
Delivery time : 1-5 days.
POM
Color : white,black,blue,yellow,etc.
Types : POM-H, POM-C.
Surface finish : Polishing, sandblasting, chemical polishing, laser polishing, anodizing/painting.
Delivery time : 1-5 days.
PMMA
High transparency (92%) plastic with good optics and low weight, used for lenses, light guides, and display covers.
Color : clear,white,black,colored.
Types : General-purpose / Impact-resistant / Heat-resistant / Pearlescent.
Surface finish : Polishing, enhanced coating, sandblasting for texture, printing for coloring, anti-scratch and anti-fingerprint treatments.
Delivery time : 1-5 days.
PC
High-toughness thermoplastic with rigidity, insulation, and machinability, ideal for durable electronic and precision parts.
Color : white or black.
Types : General Machinable/Flame Retardant/Reinforced/Blended PC.
Surface finish : Polishing, Hardening, Spraying, Laser Engraving, Electroplating, Hot Stamping.
Delivery time : 1-5 days.
PA
PA (nylon) offers high tensile strength, low friction, and good heat resistance, making it ideal for gears, bearings, and high-load structural parts in automotive, electronics, and industrial machinery.
Color : Colored.
Types : PA6, PA66, PA6T, PA9T.
Surface finish :Mechanical grinding, acid/alkali etching, hydrolysis technology, coating.
Delivery time : 1-5 days.
PE
Color : black,white,colored.
Types : LDPE, HDPE, UHMWPE, PEX, PEX-A, PEX-B.
Surface finish :Polishing, sandblasting, coating, etching.
Delivery time : 1-5 days.
PEEK
PEEK is a high-performance, semi-crystalline plastic with high strength, high temperature resistance, low friction, and excellent chemical stability. It is widely used in aerospace parts, high-temperature components, and medical devices.
Color : Beige,black.
Types : CF-PEEK, GF-PEEK, PEEK with carbon black/ceramic/PTFE/graphite fillers.
Surface finish :Sandblasting, polishing, metal coating, polymer coating.
Delivery time : 1-5 days.
PP
PP is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic with good flow and flexibility. It requires temperature control during machining and is widely used for containers, connectors, and structural parts.
Color : black,white,colored.
Types : PP-H, PP-B, PP-R, HIPP.
Surface finish :Polishing, Sandblasting, Coating.
Delivery time : 1-5 days.
HDPE
HDPE is a linear thermoplastic with high impact resistance and good dimensional stability. Non-toxic and odorless, it is used for valves, pump parts, gears, bearings, and surfboard cores.
Color : black,white.
Types : HI-HDPE, UV-HDPE, UHMWPE, Carbon Black-Filled HDPE.
Surface finish :Polishing, Sandblasting, Coating.
Delivery time : 1-5 days.
HIPS
Color : black.
Types : Impact-resistant HIPS, Brominated flame-retardant HIPS, Glass-fiber reinforced HIPS.
Surface finish :Polishing ，Sandblasting ，Coating.
Delivery time : 1-5 days.
4-Axis cnc machining capability
Our ISO 9001 certification demonstrates that our 4-axis milled parts meet stringent tolerance requirements. We adhere to ISO-2768f tolerance standards for CNC-milled metals and ISO-2768m for plastic parts, enabling you to obtain CNC-machined components with high-precision machining standards.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Maximum Part Size | Maximum machining diameter up to 600 mm and length up to 1200 mm. 4-axis indexing supports longer and more complex parts. |
| Minimum Part Size | Minimum machinable diameter as small as 3 mm, depending on part geometry and material. |
| General Tolerance | Standard tolerance ±0.01 mm; tighter tolerances down to ±0.005 mm achievable with optimized 4-axis setups. |
| Lead Time | Prototypes in 1–3 days; small-batch production in 3–5 days, with expedited options in 24–48 hours. |
4-axis cnc machining design guideline
| Item | Recommended Size |
|---|---|
| Radii | Minimum inner radius ≥ 2 mm. With 4-axis positioning, larger radii up to 500 mm can be machined depending on part size and material. |
| Threads and Tapped Holes | External and internal threads from M2 to M50. A minimum thread length of 1.5× the diameter is recommended for stability during multi-axis machining. |
| Minimum Wall Thickness | Recommended minimum wall thickness: 1 mm for metals and 1.5 mm for plastics to maintain rigidity during 4-axis indexed machining. |
| Text | Recommended engraving depth 0.5–2 mm with character height 1–10 mm, suitable for multi-face engraving using 4-axis rotation. |
| Holes | Minimum hole diameter 1 mm. Recommended depth ≤ 5× diameter; maximum achievable depth up to 10× diameter with controlled 4-axis positioning. |
4 axis cnc milling parts display
Our 4-axis CNC machining services effortlessly handle Complex surfaces, three-dimensional solids machining, encompassing plastics, metals, large components, and small-batch production. Tolerances can be controlled to as low as 0.001 inch.
Advantage of 4 axis cnc machining
Efficiency Enhancement: 4-axis reduces setups by enabling multi-surface machining in one clamping, saving time and improving accuracy.
Enhanced Precision: Rotary axes allow multi-angle machining, ensuring high accuracy for complex geometries and structures.
Complex Part Capability: Suitable for aerospace, medical, and automotive parts with intricate shapes and high precision needs.
Surface Quality & Tool Life: Improves surface finish and reduces tool wear, enhancing quality and extending tool lifespan.
Application of 4 axis cnc machining
Aerospace Industry: Produces turbine blades and engine parts with high precision and complex multi-angle machining.
Automotive Manufacturing: Machines engine parts, shafts, and gears with high accuracy for demanding automotive applications.
Medical Device Industry: Ensures precision and surface quality for implants, instruments, and medical components.
Mold Manufacturing Industry: Creates mold cores and cavities with complex shapes for injection and die-casting molds.
FAQ of 4 axis cnc machining
What is the core difference between 4-axis CNC machining and 3-axis CNC?
4-axis CNC adds a rotary axis (typically A-axis or B-axis) to the traditional X//Z 3-axis system, enabling theworkpiece or tool to rotate during machining. This breakthrough achieves:Multi-sided machining capability: Completes multiple side cuts in one setup, reducing manual intervention.Complex surface molding: Precisely machines helical grooves, curved holes, and other 3D structures through
coordinated rotary-linear motion.Efficiency improvement: For turbine blades, 4-axis machining reduces processing time by 40% while improvingsurface finish.
Contrast with 3-axis: 3-axis CNC can only move linearly, reguiring multiple setups or manual angle adjustments forcomplex shapes, which lowers efficiency and increases precision risks.
In which scenarios must 4-axis CNC machining be used instead of 3-axis?
4-axis CNC is preferable when workpieces feature:
Multi-angle features: Such as inclined holes in engine blocks or irregular interfaces in medical devices.Surface continuity requirements: Aerospace turbine blades require one-step molding of streamlined curves to
avoid seams.
Micro-precision parts: Miniature threads or heat sinks in electronic components need micron-level accuracy via
rotary axis.
. High-efficiency demands: in automotive mold making, 4-axis reduces setup time by over 50%, significantly cutting
production costs.
Counterexample: Simple flat parts (e.g., plates, square blocks) don’t require 4-axis as 3-axis CNC can efficiently
complete them.
How adaptable is 4-axis CNC machining for different materials?
4-axis CNC can process various materials, but process parameters must adjust based on material properties.
Metals:Aluminum/Steel: Widely used in aerospace and automotive, requiring high RP (8,000-12,000) and coolant toprevent overheating.
Titanium Alloy: For medical implants, low cutting speed (200-500 RP) and carbide tools are needed to avoid toolwear.
Non-metals:
Engineering Plastics (e.g. PEEK): Used in electronic housings, requiring low cutting force to prevent deformation.Composites (e.g., carbon fiber): Need specialized tools and vacuum chucks to avoid delamination.Key Point: Material hardness and thermal conductivity directly affect machining parameters, necessitating trial cutsto optimize the process.
Is the cost of 4-axis CNC machining significantly higher than 3-axis?
Cost differences require holistic evaluation of short-term investment vs. long-term benefits:Initial Cost: 4-axis CNC equipment typically costs 30%-50% more than 3-axis due to added rotary-axis complexity.Operational Costs:
Tool Consumption: Complex machining may increase tool wear, but path optimization can reduce consumption by
10%6-20%.Maintenance: Rotary axes require regular calibration, increasing annual maintenance costs by ~15%Long-term Benefits:
Efficiency Gains: For automotive molds, 4-axis reduces manual intervention by 60%, cutting per-piece costs by25%.
Quality Advantages: Reduced setup errors improve yield rates by 10%-15%, lowering rework costs.Conclusion: For complex parts or mass production, 4-axis CNC has lower long-term costs; for simple parts, 3-axis ismore economical.
How can companies determine if they need to upgrade to 4-axis CNC?
Evaluate upgrade necessity through these dimensions:Product Complexity: lf parts contain multi-angle features or curved surfaces, 3-axis machining requires multiplesetups with compromised precision. Upgrading to 4-axis significantly improves quality.Production Scale: In mass production, 4-axis CNC reduces per-piece cycle time by 30%-50% through fewer setups.
quickly recovering equipment costs.. Industry Requirements: Aerospace and medical sectors demand ultra-high precision and reliability, making 4-axisCNC essential for compliance.
Technical Bottlenecks: lf existing 3-axis equipment cannot achieve design requirements (e.g. micro-threads,irregular holes), upgrading to 4-axis is the only solution.ase Study: An automotive parts manufacturer upgraded to 4-axis, reducing processing time for a transmission shaffrom 45 to 28 minutes, saving over ￥2 million annually.
