5-Axis CNC Routers

Five-axis routing is the standard way to finish parts that aren't flat. Common jobs on Thermwood 5-axis routers include:

• Trimming thermoformed plastics: cutting edges, openings and holes in vacuum-formed and pressure-formed parts for vehicles, equipment housings, medical devices and signage.
• Composite fabrication: trimming and drilling cured carbon fiber and fiberglass parts for aerospace, defense, marine and wind energy.
• Pattern and mold making: machining patterns, plugs and molds from tooling board, foam and wood.
• Non-ferrous metals: machining aluminum and other non-ferrous parts and fixtures.
• Large-part machining: boat hulls and decks, aircraft components and architectural shapes too large for conventional machining centers.

A 3-axis router keeps the tool pointed straight down, which is ideal for flat sheet work like cabinet parts and nested panels. A 5-axis router can tilt the tool to follow curves, cut angled edges and reach undercuts. If most of your parts are flat, a 3-axis CNC router is usually the better value. If your parts are formed, molded or sculpted, you need 5-axis. For a side-by-side look at the full lineup, see the CNC routers overview.

• Part size and height: Start with your largest part. Moving-table models like the Model 67 and Model 90 suit parts up to 10' or 12' long. Gantry and bridge machines like the Model 65, Model 70, Model 77 and MAX5 handle long, wide or tall parts.
• Vertical clearance: Deep molds and tall parts need extended Z. Options range from 24" on the Model 65 to 60" on the Models 70, 77 and 90, and 9 feet on the MAX5.
• Throughput: For production trimming, dual moving tables let an operator load one table while the router cuts on the other.
• Fixtures and weight: Heavy fixtures and large aerospace tools call for a heavy-duty gantry such as the Model 70 or Model 77.
• Dust and debris: Composite machining creates abrasive dust. The Model 77 is fully enclosed, and enclosures and chip collection hoods are available on other models.
• Tooling: Automatic tool changers, tool length measurement and continuous C-axis rotation (available on several models) reduce manual setup between operations.

"We have a Model 67 we purchased new back in 2000. This machine has been absolutely fantastic and we rely very heavily on it for our daily operations."

"In the past I have worked with three axis mill centers and lathes, so it has been a treat to have a five axis machine to work with. With our Thermwood machine, there are many operations we are doing in one setup that would take many setups with the old three axis mills."

"This is the third Thermwood machine we have purchased, and everything has worked great over the years. You have an outstanding group of professionals representing you and as a customer, I look forward to a long and healthy relationship with Thermwood."

• Built in America: designed and manufactured in Dale, Indiana, where Thermwood has built CNC machinery since 1969.
• Thermwood SuperControl: every 5-axis model runs on Thermwood's own control.
• Accuracy: three-dimensional laser compensated axis alignment on every 5-axis model.
• Range: six 5-axis models, from compact dual-table trimming cells to gantry routers up to 60 feet long.

What is a 5-axis CNC router?

A 5-axis CNC router moves the cutting tool along the X, Y and Z axes and also tilts and rotates the head on two rotary axes. That lets the tool approach a part from almost any angle, so it can trim, drill and contour three-dimensional parts such as thermoformed plastics, composite panels, patterns and molds in a single setup.

What is the difference between a 3-axis and a 5-axis CNC router?

A 3-axis router keeps the tool pointed straight down, which suits flat sheet work like cabinet parts, nested panels and plastic sheet parts. A 5-axis router can tilt the tool, so it can follow curved and angled surfaces, trim the edges of formed parts and machine undercuts. If your parts are flat, a 3-axis router is usually the better value. If they are shaped, a 5-axis router is usually required.

What materials can a 5-axis CNC router cut?

Thermwood 5-axis CNC routers machine composites, thermoformed and sheet plastics, pattern and tooling boards, foam, wood and non-ferrous metals such as aluminum. They are used in aerospace, defense, marine, automotive, wind energy, medical and mold and pattern shops.

Which 5-axis CNC router is best for trimming thermoformed plastic parts?

Moving-table machines like the Thermwood Model 67 and Model 90 are built for trimming. Both are available with dual moving tables, so an operator can load one table while the router trims parts on the other. The Model 90 is the heavier-duty, higher-speed choice, and the Model 67 offers the widest range of table sizes.

How large a part can a Thermwood 5-axis CNC router machine?

The Thermwood MAX5 offers 10-foot or 15-foot widths, lengths up to 60 feet and 9 feet of vertical Z travel for very large and tall parts. The Model 65 comes in 5-foot-wide beds up to 40 feet long, with extensions available up to 100 feet. The enclosed Model 77 is built in 10-foot-wide sizes in 10-foot increments, with extended Z up to 60 inches.

How much does a 5-axis CNC router cost?

Price depends on the table size, Z-axis clearance, spindle power, tool changer, table configuration and options such as enclosures or continuous C-axis rotation. Contact Thermwood with your part sizes and materials for a quote on the right configuration.

Where are Thermwood 5-axis CNC routers made?

Thermwood designs and builds its CNC routers in Dale, Indiana, where the company has manufactured CNC machinery since 1969. Every Thermwood 5-axis router runs on the Thermwood SuperControl.