Using the latest in 5-axis CNC machining, Fathom delivers high-quality parts to its customers. Whether time-sensitive, highly complex, high-precision, or short production run related, Fathom will meet the requirements of your project.
Estimating the cost of any CNC project involves labor, the machine used, materials, volume, and more. Whether 3-axis or 5-axis machines are used, CNC remains one of the most economical production solutions. A 5-axis machine provides the ability to manufacture a more complex design, but it does have a higher cost than a 3-axis mill. The more complex the design, the more setup and programming may be required. Whenever possible, a project can reduce cost by simplifying a design. Material affects cost because some materials are more expensive than others. The best material for a job should be the one that meets the product’s function, form and fit requirements. As CNC is an automated project, most of the labor expense occurs during setup; a programmer converts a CAD file for the CNC machine, a machinist configures the machine for production, and another worker executes quality control checks. Assembly may be required if a part is a piece of a larger product. Some parts may require a surface finish to improve the quality or finish of the part.
Take advantage of Fathom’s SmartQuote online platform and receive a quote in as little as 1 hour. Do you need a 5-axis CNC quote, or would you like to learn about another manufacturing service? Fathom’s 5-axis CNC lead times are as follows:
Whether a project needs a prototype or production run, CNC machining can do it. 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.
Fathom offers 5-axis machining made from plastic or metal. Our team includes experienced CNC programmers and machinists who use the latest software programming and high-speed CNC machinery to meet our customers’ requirements. Fathom can produce complex parts directly from 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) data and uses 5-axis CNC machines to add precise details.
5 axis CNC machining is one of 28 manufacturing processes offered by Fathom.
Fathom’s manufacturing facilities are powered by over 530 machines, including mills, lathes, presses, press brakes, turret punches and additive systems. Fathom provides not just 5 axis CNC machining but also hybridized services leveraging CNC. Need 5 axis CNC machining as part of a more complex project? Fathom can handle it. A recent case study is listed below where Fathom delivered 20,000 parts in 27 days using 55+ tools, including CNC machining services:
A customer came to Fathom with a complex project that spanned the technologies and processes of rapid production—and needed it done fast. Fathom delivered.
55+ Tools to Injection
Mold 15,000 Parts
First Article in 2 Weeks
3,000+ 3D
Printed Parts
2,000+ Metal
Fabricated Parts
3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing—PolyJet, SLS, MJF.
DFM Analysis + CAD Mods.
CNC Machining. Laser Cutting.
Stamping. Die Cutting. Post-Opp Drilling.
24-hour Turnaround Urethane Casting.
Injection + Compression Molding.
Model Finishing. Insert Assembly.
Advanced Project Management.
Fathom has 6 US-based locations that offer 5-axis CNC machining, offering nationwide coverage to the entire United States. Fathom’s advanced prototyping and manufacturing services include wire EDM, CNC machining, chemical etching, metal 3D printing, and more. We have provided over 200,000 quotes to leading U.S. companies and are ready to provide you with a quote today.
CNC locations include:
HEADQUARTERS
1050 Walnut Ridge Drive
Hartland, WI 53029
ISO 9001:2015
AS9100:2016
ITAR
ARIZONA
444 W. 21st St. Ste. 101
Tempe, AZ 85282
ISO 9001:2015
NIST 800-171 Compliant
ITAR
CALIFORNIA
620 3rd Street
Oakland, CA 94607
ISO 9001:2015 Design Certified
NIST 800-171 Compliant
ITAR
ILLINOIS
1207 Adams Drive
McHenry, IL 60051
TEXAS
1801 Rowe Lane
Pflugerville, TX 78660
ISO 9001:2015
AS9100:2016
1513 Sam Bass Rd
Round Rock, TX 78681
ISO 9001:2015
ISO 13485:2016
5-axis machining has a tolerance of +/- 0.005″ when working with metal and +/- 0.008″ for plastic. A tighter tolerance can affect the cost as there may be an increase in material scrap, special tools needed, and longer cycle times to achieve accuracy. To decrease costs, tighter tolerances should only be used where necessary.
Fathom offers CNC machining for both metal and plastic parts.| METALS | OPTIMAL QUANTITY | TOLERANCES (+/-) | ADVANTAGES & CONSIDERATIONS | FINISH & APPEARANCE |
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| Stainless Steel | 1-1000 | +/- 0.005″ |
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| Low Carbon Steel | 1-1000 | +/- 0.005″ |
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| Aluminum | 1-1000 | +/- 0.005″ |
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| Brass | 1-1000 | +/- 0.005″ |
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| PLASTICS | OPTIMAL QUANTITY | TOLERANCES (+/-) | ADVANTAGES & CONSIDERATIONS | FINISH & APPEARANCE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDPE | 1-100 | +/- 0.008″ |
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| PC | 1-100 | +/- 0.008″ |
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| ABS | 1-100 | +/- 0.008″ |
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| Acrylic | 1-100 | +/- 0.008″ |
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| Nylon 6/6 | 1-100 | +/- 0.008″ |
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| Acetal (Delrin®) | 1-100 | +/- 0.008″ |
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| ULTEM® | 1-100 | +/- 0.008″ |
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Fathom works with a variety of metal and plastic materials for CNC machining, including stainless steel aluminum, ABS, Nylon, and Acrylic. If a material is not in stock, it can be requested. Talk to a Fathom expert today to find the best material for your job.
5 axis machining has multiple benefits. 5 axis CNC machines can create complex shapes in a single set-up, reducing manufacturing and lead time. 5-axis machining is a highly accurate process resulting in minimal errors. As the same datum reference point is used, feature-to-feature accuracy is improved. Additionally, 5-axis machining allows for multiple holes to be drilled at compound angles using a single set-up. Cutting tool vibration is also minimized which allows for a high-quality surface finish.
After CNC machining, a part may need to be finished by utilizing various finishing processes. Finishing a part may include powder coating, assembly, drilling, polishing or EDM. Some of the finishing processes offered by Fathom include:
After powder coating, the part has a thin protective layer that adds strength and wear resistance. During the powder coating process, the part is first primed using a chromating or phosphating coat. Next, the part receives a dry powder coating from an electrostatic spray gun. Lastly, the part is cured in an oven.
Assembly is required when the unit manufactured is part of a larger piece. During the assembly step, the workpiece is bonded together with other parts to create the final product. Fasteners or bonding procedures may be used to fuse the parts temporarily or permanently.
Drilling is used to add a round hole to a part. Drilling may be performed using a drill press, tapping, or milling machine. Different types of drills may be used, such as spotting or peck drills, depending on the mark that must be made.
Gear cutting is used to make gears. Broaching, milling, hobbing, grinding, and shaping are some of the methods used in gear cutting. Gears may be made of metal, wood or plastic.
Jig grinding adds complex geometrical shapes onto parts. The process uses a jig grinder to grind complex shapes and holes with a high level of accuracy. Grinding removes a thin layer of material from the workpiece. During grinding, the workpiece is pressed against a rotating abrasive wheel that removes a thin layer.
EDM is often used when sharp corners or curves are needed that cannot be formed using conventional manufacturing processes. Often, a part is made first using CNC machining and then special features are added using EDM. Electrical discharge machining uses electrical discharges to subtract material from a workpiece.
The polishing technique can improve the dimensions and accuracy of a part while producing a mirror gloss finish. Polishing tools and abrasive materials are used to achieve a smooth surface.
When two metal pieces must be joined together, arc welding may be used. Arc welding uses the power from an electric current to fuse two pieces of metal. Generally, direct current arc welding is preferred as DC uses electrons that move in a single direction, resulting in a stable arc.
Laser welding joins metal or thermoplastic parts together. During laser welding, a laser beam applies heat that melts both pieces’ material to form a joint. As the heat is concentrated to a specific area, the surrounding material is not damaged and there is minimal stress on the part.
Oxyfuel welding and cutting are often used to reduce the thickness of a metal piece. Commonly used on steel, oxyfuel welding and cutting use a torch with a mix of fuel and oxygen. The workpiece is first pre-heated to its kindling temperature, then pierced and cut by an oxygen stream.
Deburring is used to remove any raised edges or unwanted material known as burrs. Deburring may be achieved using several methods, including electrochemical deburring, thermal deburring, and abrasive flow deburring. Electrochemical deburring uses an anodic metal dissolution to remove unwanted material. Thermal deburring uses a combustible gas in a pressurized chamber to deburr a part. Abrasive deburring uses an abrasive slurry to deburr the part.
5-axis machining is a great fit for complex parts made of plastic or metal. Many industries, from aerospace to industrial, have trusted Fathom with their 5-axis project. Some examples of parts made using 5-axis CNC manufacturing include:
A: Yes, Fathom offers 5 axis machining.
A: 5-axis machining is a CNC machine’s ability to move a workpiece along five different axes. 5-axis CNC machines use a multidirectional approach, moving the part simultaneously along X, Y, Z, A and B axes.
A: Fathom’s certifications include ISO 9001:2015, ISO 9001:2015 Design, and ISO 13485:2016. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.
A: Yes, Fathom is ITAR certified. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.
A: Yes, Fathom is AS9100:2016. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.
A: Yes, Fathom’s certifications include NIST 800-171. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.
A: The cost of 5-axis CNC machining depends on the number of parts, raw material chosen, the complexity of design, and more. Use our SmartQuote platform to get a quote today.
A: CNC machine time is the distance/length divided by the speed/rate.
A: r= P/C where P is the output of useful product while C or cost is the resources used.
A: The 5 axes on a 5-axis CNC machine are X, Y, Z, A and B.
Ready to get started on your CNC 5-axis project? Use Fathom’s SmartQuote platform to calculate costs. Submit your file today and receive a quote in as soon as 1 hour.
