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4-Axis Machining

  • Workpiece Can Rotate to Create More Complex Shapes

  • Tighter Tolerances Than 3-Axis Milling

  • Reduced Production Time

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Trusted by Industry Leaders
Harley Davidson
3M
Sanmina
Smith & Nephew
Medtronic
“We were really struggling to find anyone who could cut a certain type of heavy-duty glass. Everyone told us it couldn’t be done, so when we reached out to Fathom, we expected to hear the same thing. Instead, a few days later, they called back with a plan. They had tracked down the people who actually developed that glass and worked directly with them to figure out a solution. That’s the type of approach we have come to know from our Fathom team.”
Lead Engineer
Defense Contractor
“Working with Fathom has given us a level of supply chain control we haven’t had with other partners. Instead of juggling multiple suppliers for machining, sheet metal, extrusions, and 3D-printed prototypes, we can run everything through one team and that’s been a huge advantage for our EV programs. Their engineers helped us tighten up a machined cooling-plate design, turn around sheet metal brackets in days, and rapidly iterate several 3D-printed enclosure concepts early in development. Having all of these capabilities under one roof has reduced delays, improved consistency across assemblies, and cut a significant amount of coordination time on our side.”
Senior Manufacturing Engineer
Major EV OEM
“Fathom has been a strong partner on our EV programs. They helped us optimize a few key components for weight and manufacturability, and they consistently hit the tolerances we need. Their fast turnaround times have kept our development cycles moving, which is critical in EV work.”
Senior Manufacturing Engineer
EV Systems Supplier
“With their response time, quotes and communications, Fathom is highly regarded because they are always upfront. They say what they do and do what they say.”
John Doe
Consumer Technology Company
“No matter how complex or how new issues are with product design, we can always count on Fathom. Their team provides an unbiased, ‘out-of-the-box’ professional opinion that is always forward-thinking, interesting and helpful. We value their exemplary commitment to providing superb engineering.”
Rich Rayhill
Crown
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Barbara Gramenz
3M
“We have been customers with Dahlquist for a long time because they deliver outstanding quality, on-time, every time. I believe these results are in large part due to the fantastic and customer focused team that works there.”
Buyer
Laser Cutting Equipment Manufacturer
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Delia Aguilar
Sanmina Corporation
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How 4-Axis CNC Machining Works

01 Design Preparation

A part is first designed using computer-aided design (CAD) software. It describes the component’s design in a 2D or 3D format, including dimensions, tolerances and features. Once the design is finalized, computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software converts it into a toolpath that the 4-axis milling machine can follow.

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02 Machine Setup

The block of material (the workpiece) is securely mounted to the machine’s cutting table and it’s set up with the appropriate cutting tools. Some 4-axis milling machines include a tool magazine that enables it to automatically change tools during the milling process. The code to control the job is then transferred to the machine’s control system.

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03 Machining & Post-Processing

The machine’s spindle moves the rotating cutting tool along the X, Y and Z axes, removing material to shape the part. The workpiece can also be rotated around the A axis, giving the cutting tool expanded access to other surfaces of it. This freedom of movement also enables the cutting tool to create angled and curved surfaces. Once the machining process is complete, any necessary finishing operations, such as cleaning and deburring, are performed.

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Is 4-Axis Machining Right For Your Project?

Advantages

  • Can Produce More Complex Parts

    4-axis machines are ideal for creating intricate designs and curved features that are difficult or impossible with 3-axis machines.

  • Fewer Setups

    The addition of the fourth axis allows for multi-sided machining without having to manually reposition the workpiece, which saves time and reduces labor costs. This also contributes to faster production times.

  • Increased Accuracy

    Holding the part in a single setup improves accuracy and enables tighter tolerances across multiple sides of the workpiece.

  • Better Surface Finishes

    A single setup can lead to better surface finishes because the cutting tool can maintain a more optimal proximity to the workpiece.

Disadvantages

  • More Complex Programming

    Programming a 4-axis machine requires more advanced knowledge to program the additional rotational axis and operate the machine.

  • Potential for Reduced Speed

    For certain parts, the rotational movement can sometimes reduce machining speed compared to the simpler, linear movements of a 3-axis machine.

  • Geometry Limitations

    Certain complex part geometries require simultaneous movement in more than four axes, which is beyond the capability of 4-axis machines.

4-Axis Machining Offers Exceptional Versatility

Aerospace Parts

The versatility of 4-axis machines enables them to manufacture more complex parts with tighter tolerances for aerospace and defense applications. Examples include aircraft propellers, turbine blades and hydraulic actuators.

Medical Applications

4-axis machines enable the production of more complex, higher-precision components used in medical equipment and device applications, such as . surgical instruments, prosthetics and medical implants.

Automotive Parts

4-axis milling machines enable the production of complex, tight-tolerance parts used in cars, trucks and off-highway vehicles. Examples include engine blocks, cylinder heads and transmission components – parts that must be able to take a beating and keep operating reliably..

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Find the Ideal Machinable Material for Your Part

Compare metals and plastics for CNC machining with full property details, tolerances, and suitability notes. Engineered to help you make informed decisions for precision, durability, and performance.

Download Material Datasheet
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Why Choose Fathom for 4-Axis Machining?

  • Fathom has an unmatched depth of expertise in CNC machining and the capacity to take on your projects.
  • Our CNC facilities specialize in challenging applications. We work with extremely tight tolerances and exotic materials for use in medical or aerospace industries.
  • Fathom also has certifications at several of our locations to meet the highly specialized needs of your medical, aerospace or government industries, including ISO 13485, AS9100 and ITAR.
  • Our CNC machining expertise is backed by white-glove engineering – to ensure that your project is a success.
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