Comprehensive 5-Axis CNC Machining Services

By Laura Russart, Sep 18th, 2022

Comprehensive 5-Axis CNC Machining Services

Companies trust Fathom with 5-Axis CNC machining projects that are complex, time-sensitive and require high precision. Fathom’s CNC machining experts deliver high-quality parts by way of modern machining methods, and may also recommend incorporating additive technologies to drive impactful results. Highly skilled machinists support this hybrid approach through a diverse setup of industry-leading equipment to accommodate many types of applications.

Fathom Provides //

High-Complexity, Precision Cutting
Superior Fathom-Quality Parts
Production Feedback by Engineers
Fast Quotes with Parts in Days
Plastic & Metal Materials Options

5-Axis CNC Machining Services //

Fathom offers 5–Axis machining services for the manufacture of precision plastic or metal parts. Our high-speed CNC machines are equipped with the latest software programming and are operated by highly skilled CNC programmers and machinists. Fathom can produce complex pieces directly from 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) data with detail-oriented precision using 5-Axis CNC machines.

CNC machining is fast for manufacturing prototypes and production quantity runs. CNC machines are programmable, and they can run autonomously. 5-Axis CNC machining can produce parts from a wide variety of materials quickly and efficiently. Fathom has a variety of state-of-the-art CNC machines to ensure we meet your exact need for quality components.

5–Axis CNC Quotes In As Soon As One Business Hour / / Get A Quote

Advantages of 5-Axis CNC Machining / /

Fathom’s 5-Axis CNC machines give us the ability to machine complex shapes in a single set-up. This reduces manufacturing time which ultimately means you get your product faster. An added benefit to 5-Axis machining is a reduction in errors. Feature-to-feature accuracy is improved because the same datum reference point is used throughout the manufacturing process.

There are many ways your project can benefit from 5-Axis CNC machining.

These include / /

Lower Time & Costs with Continuous, One Setup Machining
Machine Complex Parts with High-Accuracy
Increase Part Complexity without Additional Setups
Drill Multiple Holes at Compound Angles with One Setup
Minimize Cutting Tool Vibration for High Quality Surface Finish

Get A Quote

CNC Materials / /

Fathom is experienced in working with a wide variety of metal and plastic materials such as: stainless steel, aluminum and brass plus HDPE, PC, ABS, Nylon and Acrylic. Many material options are in stock or available upon request. Talk to a Fathom expert today to discuss what materials are best for your project goals.

METALS	OPTIMAL QUANTITY	TOLERANCES (+/-)	ADVANTAGES & CONSIDERATIONS	FINISH & APPEARANCE
Stainless Steel	1-1000	+/- 0.005"	High Strength High Corrosion Resistance High Weldability	Standard Machined Finish Tumbled Bead Blasted (Sand or Glass) Polished
Low Carbon Steel	1-1000	+/- 0.005"	Common Steel High Machinability & Weldability Can Be Hardened Not Corrosion Resistant
Aluminum	1-1000	+/- 0.005"	High Strength, Low Weight High Machinability Low Cost
Brass	1-1000	+/- 0.005"	Corrosion & Chemical Resistant High Density & Strength Non-Conductive

PLASTICS	OPTIMAL QUANTITY	TOLERANCES (+/-)	ADVANTAGES & CONSIDERATIONS	FINISH & APPEARANCE
HDPE	1-100	+/- 0.008"	Medium Impact Strength Flexible (Shore D70) FDA Compliant No Water Absorption	Standard Machined Finish Tumbled Flame or Vapor Polished (Acrylic Only)
PC	1-100	+/- 0.008"	Medium Tensile & High Impact Strength Maintains Properties Over Range of Temperatures High Optical Clarity (Clear)
ABS	1-100	+/- 0.008"	Medium Tensile & High Impact Strength Electrical Insulator High Machinability Low Cost
Acrylic	1-100	+/- 0.008"	High Tensile Strength Can Be Polished for High Optical Clarity
Nylon 6/6	1-100	+/- 0.008"	High Tensile & Medium Impact Strength Maintains Properties Over Range of Temperatures
Acetal (Delrin®)	1-100	+/- 0.008"	Medium Tensile & Medium Impact Strength Holds Machining Tolerances Well Good Wear & Fatigue Resistance
ULTEM®	1-100	+/- 0.008"	High Tensile Strength High Working Temperature Range (335°F) Electrical Insulator High Optical Clarity (Clear)

To complete a finished component or medical device, Fathom offers a wide variety of finishing processes. These finishing processes can include anodizing, electropolishing, passivation, metal polishing and finishing, micro bead blasting, heat treatment, bending, forming, laser welding and TIG welding.

Why Work with Fathom?

Working with Fathom means easy access to manufacturing experts ensuring quality outputs from concept to completion.

Speed //

Customers can receive 5-Axis CNC quotes in as soon as one business hour. Once your order is placed, Fathom can deliver your parts quickly and accurately. Fathom is one of the largest on-demand digital manufacturing platforms in North America with 450,000 square feet of manufacturing capacity across 12 domestic manufacturing locations covering all national time zones.

Agility //

Fathom is ready to help you produce a high-quality product that meets your project’s exact specifications and deadlines. Customers can choose from a wide variety of metal and plastic material options or can make special material requests.

Responsiveness //

Every 5-Axis CNC quote is reviewed by an experienced engineer to optimize your part for production. Customers can utilize SmartQuote, Fathom’s online platform, to submit quotes, quickly and easily upload files, track quote progress and consult directly with Fathom experts. Start a conversation today!

Comprehensive Capabilities //

Working with Fathom provides immediate and comprehensive access to the most relevant equipment and experience in advanced manufacturing, engineering and prototyping. With over 50 years of manufacturing experience, Fathom has the knowledge, expertise and ability to optimize for project for cost, time and precise specifications.

Quality Assurance //

Fathom supports all processes in precision machining with an effective quality control program. We use our engineering expertise, years of combined experience, state-of-the-art equipment and in-depth knowledge to serve a variety of different industries, including medical, aerospace, defense, automotive and consumer goods..

What is CNC Machining?

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining is a manufacturing process during which a pre-programmed computer software directs the movement of factory machinery and tools. CNC machining can control a variety of complex machinery, from mills and routers to grinders and lathes. Using CNC machining allows three-dimensional cutting tasks to be accomplished with a single set of prompts. Once a CNC machine has been activated, the cuts are programmed into the software and communicated to the tools and machinery which perform the task.

CNC machining is ideal for projects requiring production-grade materials and rapid prototyping of tight tolerance plastic and metal parts with excellent surface finishes. The repeatability of the process also opens up the possibility of producing high-volume manufacturing of parts using CNC machining.

How Does CNC Machining Work?

CNC machining can be simplified into a 3-step process:

A CAD file is designed
A CNC technician translates the CAD file into the CNC program
The CNC program is initiated & the part is machined

Not sure if your part is ready for production? Expert review is included at no additional charge on all 5-Axis CNC quotes. Submit your file today!

Trust Fathom for your 5-Axis CNC machining needs from prototype and production quantity runs.