How Multiaxis CNC Machining Speeds Up Production

In today’s fast-paced manufacturing landscape, time is more than money—it’s competitive advantage. When precision and complexity go hand in hand, manufacturers turn to multiaxis CNC machining to keep up with demand. From aerospace to automotive and medical industries, this technology delivers faster cycle times, fewer setups, and consistently high-quality components.

At Precitech Manufacturing Pvt. Ltd., our state-of-the-art multiaxis CNC machining capabilities allow us to meet the tight deadlines and tight tolerances that modern industries demand. In this blog, we’ll explore how multiaxis CNC machining reduces production time and highlight real-world applications where it makes all the difference.

What Is Multiaxis CNC Machining?

Multiaxis machining refers to the use of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines that can move cutting tools or workpieces along multiple axes simultaneously. While standard 3-axis machines operate along the X, Y, and Z axes, multiaxis machines add one or more rotary axes for greater freedom of movement.

Common types of multiaxis machines:

• 4-axis: Adds rotation around the X or Y axis (typically for indexing).

• 5-axis: Adds rotation around both X and Y axes, allowing the tool or workpiece to tilt.

• 6-axis and beyond: Used in robotic arms or ultra-complex geometries.

This flexibility allows manufacturers to machine complex geometries in a single setup, minimizing manual intervention, improving precision, and reducing production time.

Why Traditional Machining Slows You Down

Let’s consider a part with multiple angled surfaces, undercuts, and curved features. Using a conventional 3-axis machine would require:

• Multiple setups and fixture changes

• Manual repositioning of the part

• Intermediate inspections

• Potential alignment errors

Each setup introduces time delays, increases labor costs, and opens the door to inconsistencies. In high-volume or precision-critical production, these inefficiencies compound rapidly.

How Multiaxis Machining Saves Time

1. One Setup, Multiple Angles

The biggest time-saving benefit of multiaxis machining is the ability to access multiple sides of a part in one setup. This eliminates the need for separate operations or repositioning.

• Fewer setups = faster throughput

• Reduced handling time

• Less chance of human error

• No need for complex fixtures or jigs

2. Complex Geometry Machining Made Easy

Curved features, undercuts, compound angles, and intricate cavities are often slow and difficult to machine with 3-axis systems. Multiaxis machining makes these features faster and more accurate to produce by:

• Tilting the tool to optimal cutting angles

• Reducing tool overhang and vibration

• Maintaining constant tool engagement

3. Better Tool Life and Surface Finish

By adjusting the tool orientation during machining, multiaxis systems reduce the cutting load and improve chip evacuation. This leads to:

• Longer tool life

• Better surface finishes

• Fewer tool changes and rework operations

All of these factors contribute to faster cycle times and higher part quality.

4. Parallel Processing and Automation

Many multiaxis CNC machines come with automatic tool changers, multi-pallet systems, and even robotic loading arms. This enables:

• Lights-out manufacturing (overnight production)

• Parallel task execution

• Less downtime between operations

At Precitech, we integrate automation with our multiaxis machines to ensure that your parts are ready faster, cheaper, and more reliably.

Real-World Case Studies

Case 1: Aerospace Valve Body

Challenge: A client required a titanium valve body with internal channels, tight radius grooves, and undercuts—features that required 5 separate setups on 3-axis machines.

Solution: We switched to a 5-axis machining strategy.

Result:

• Setup time reduced by 70%

• Part machining time cut by 50%

• Tolerance consistency improved from ±0.01mm to ±0.005mm

• Delivered 2 weeks ahead of schedule

Case 2: Automotive Turbo Housing Component

Challenge: A forged aluminum housing required complex surface machining, curved exhaust ports, and consistent wall thickness.

Solution: Using 5-axis simultaneous machining, we achieved optimal cutting angles and minimized secondary operations.

Result:

• Reduced tool wear by 40%

• Cut cycle time from 2.5 hours to 1.2 hours per part

• Reduced part rejection rate by 60%

Case 3: Medical Implant Prototypes

Challenge: Rapid prototyping of bone plates with contoured surfaces and multi-angle screw holes.

Solution: We used a multiaxis CNC setup with high-speed finishing tools.

Result:

• Turnaround time from CAD to prototype: 72 hours

• Fitment accuracy improved drastically

• Faster validation for client’s R&D team

Comparing 3-Axis vs. 5-Axis for Production Time

Multiaxis Machining at Precitech

Our multiaxis CNC department is equipped with advanced machinery capable of:

• 5-axis simultaneous milling

• Turning-milling combos (mill-turn centers)

• High-speed and high-precision operations

• Tolerance achievement up to ±0.002 mm

We cater to diverse industries including:

• Automotive: Gear components, turbo parts, suspension joints

• Aerospace: Valve bodies, structural brackets, housings

• Medical: Implants, surgical tools, diagnostic device components

• Industrial: Custom fixtures, hydraulic fittings, sensor parts

We also support prototyping to mass production, offering scalability without compromising turnaround time.

The Cost Advantage of Speed

Some buyers are hesitant about multiaxis machining due to higher machine and tooling costs. However, what often goes unnoticed is the cost of time saved.

With multiaxis machining:

• You produce more parts per hour

• Reduce indirect costs (labor, inspection, logistics)

• Cut project lead times by days or even weeks

• Improve quality, reducing returns and rejections

For high-precision, high-mix, or time-sensitive projects, multiaxis machining offers an unbeatable ROI.

Conclusion

If your business is looking to improve delivery timelines, reduce rework, and handle complex part geometries efficiently, multiaxis CNC machining is the solution. Its ability to perform complex operations in one setup not only cuts production time but also enhances accuracy and surface quality.

At Precitech, we combine advanced multiaxis technology with over 40 years of precision engineering experience to deliver exceptional parts—on time, every time.

Need help optimizing your part for faster production? Contact our experts today and discover how multiaxis CNC machining can transform your manufacturing speed and efficiency.