A CNC 5-axis machining center is a type of computer numerical control (CNC) machine tool that is capable of performing a wide range of machining operations on a workpiece, using five axes of motion. These five axes are typically designated as the X, Y, Z, A, and B axes.

The standard three linear axes, X, Y, and Z, allow the machine to move the cutting tool in the horizontal, vertical, and longitudinal directions. A 4th and 5th axis, A and B, are rotary axes that are typically mounted parallel to the X-Y plane and allow the workpiece to rotate about those axes.

The 5-axis machining center enables the machine to reach any point on a workpiece with precision, allowing for more complex and efficient machining of the workpiece. This ability to reach any point on the workpiece allows for more efficient machining of complex shapes and geometries. It’s widely used in aerospace, medical and other high-precision industries where complex shapes need to be produced with high accuracy.

The addition of the 4th and 5th axis allows for simultaneous cutting along multiple axes, resulting in more efficient machining and improved surface finish. This kind of machine is also capable of performing complex multi-axis operations such as sculpting, contouring, and helical interpolation. It’s also used in milling, drilling, tapping and boring operations.

This type of machines can have different configurations as well such as 3+2 axes machining center, where two of the axis are added to the basic three axis in certain circumstances. This can be chosen based on the work piece, the operations to be performed, the precision required and the production rate.