Milling is the process of cutting and drilling material using a rotating cylindrical tool. This tool is held in a spindle and comes in a variety of sizes and forms. With 5-axis machining, there have two extra rotary axes defined by A, which rotates around the X axis, B, which rotates around the Y axis, and C, which rotates around the Z axis. The combination of additional axes depends on the machine and comes in variations, including AB, AC, or BC.
With 5-axis machining, the table or cutting tool can be tilted, creating the ability to avoid collision with the tool holder and allowing for better access to part geometry. This also ensures improved tool life and cycle time as it helps maintain cutting position and constant chip load. This type of machining offers a push toward single-setup machining, creating shorter lead times and increasing efficiency.