Multiaxis machining is a manufacturing process, where computer numerically controlled tools that move in 4 or more ways are used to manufacture parts out of metal or other materials by milling

Milling machine

A milling machine is a machine tool used to machine solid materials. Milling machines are often classed in two basic forms, horizontal and vertical, which refers to the orientation of the main spindle. Both types range in size from small, bench-mounted devices to room-sized machines...

 away excess material, by water jet cutting or by laser cutting

Laser cutting

Laser cutting is a technology that uses a laser to cut materials, and is typically used for industrial manufacturing applications, but is also starting to be used by schools, small businesses and hobbyists. Laser cutting works by directing the output of a high-power laser, by computer, at the...

. Typical CNC tools support translation

Translation

Translation is the communication of the meaning of a source-language text by means of an equivalent target-language text. Whereas interpreting undoubtedly antedates writing, translation began only after the appearance of written literature; there exist partial translations of the Sumerian Epic of...

 in 3 axes; multiaxis machines also support rotation around one or multiple axes.

There are now many CAM (computer aided manufacturing) software systems available to support multiaxis machining including software that can automatically convert 3-axes toolpaths into 5-axes toolpaths.

Multiaxis machines offer several improvements over other CNC tools at the cost of increased complexity and price of the machine:

• Amount of work is reduced, if the piece would otherwise have to be turned manually during the machining.
• Better surface finish can be obtained by moving the tool tangentially about the surface.
• More complex parts can be manufactured, particularly parts with curved holes.

Number of axes for multiaxis machines varies from 4 to 9. Each axis of movement is implemented either by moving the table (into which the workpiece is attached), or by moving the tool. The actual configuration of axes varies, therefore machines with the same number of axes can differ in the movements that can be performed.