Mastars provides 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC machining for metal and plastic parts. Our engineers select the right machining approach based on part geometry, feature access, tolerance requirements, and production needs.
ISO 9001:2015 | ISO 13485:2016 | IATF 16949:2016
| Comparison Factor | 3 Axis CNC Machining | 4 Axis CNC Machining | 5 Axis CNC Machining |
| Best For | Plates, brackets, housings, fixtures | Multi-side parts, cylindrical features, angled holes | Complex surfaces, deep cavities, multi-face parts |
| Setup Requirements | More setups for multiple sides | Fewer setups with rotary positioning | Fewest setups for complex geometry |
| Feature Access | Accessible top-side features | Around-the-part access | Multi-angle tool access |
| Main Advantage | Lowest machining cost for suitable parts | Better access with reduced repositioning | Complex geometry with fewer datum changes |
| Typical Applications | Mechanical parts, fixtures, housings | Shafts, impellers, indexed components | Aerospace parts, medical parts, molds |
Aluminum is one of the most widely used materials for multi-axis CNC machining due to its excellent machinability, lightweight properties, and corrosion resistance. It is suitable for complex parts requiring efficient machining, tight dimensional control, and a strong strength-to-weight ratio.
Lightweight with high strength-to-weight ratio
Excellent machinability and fast material removal
Good corrosion resistance
Suitable for complex multi-sided machining
Compatible with various surface treatments
6061-T6, 7075-T6, 2024
Aerospace components
Automotive parts
Housings and brackets
Structural components
Precision mechanical parts
Anodizing, Bead Blasting, Powder Coating, Polishing, Painting
Stainless steel provides excellent strength, corrosion resistance, and durability for CNC machined components used in demanding environments. It is commonly selected for precision parts requiring long-term reliability and stable mechanical performance.
Excellent corrosion resistance
High strength and durability
Good temperature resistance
Suitable for precision components
Strong wear performance
303, 304, 316, 17-4PH
Medical components
Industrial equipment parts
Shafts and fittings
Valves and fluid components
Precision hardware
Polishing, Passivation, Electropolishing, Bead Blasting
Steel is widely used for CNC machining applications requiring high strength, toughness, and wear resistance. Different steel grades provide flexible solutions for functional mechanical components and industrial parts.
High mechanical strength
Excellent impact resistance
Good wear resistance
Suitable for load-bearing components
Cost-effective for many applications
1018, 1045, 4140, Alloy Steel
Shafts
Gears
Mechanical components
Automotive parts
Industrial equipment
Black Oxide, Plating, Painting, Powder Coating
Titanium alloys are commonly selected for advanced CNC machining projects requiring high strength, lightweight performance, and excellent corrosion resistance. 5-axis machining enables efficient production of complex titanium components with reduced setups.
Excellent strength-to-weight ratio
Outstanding corrosion resistance
High performance in demanding environments
Good biocompatibility
Suitable for complex precision parts
Ti-6Al-4V (Grade 5), Commercially Pure Titanium
Aerospace components
Medical implants
High-performance mechanical parts
Precision industrial components
Polishing, Bead Blasting, Passivation
Copper and brass alloys are suitable for CNC machined components requiring excellent machinability, electrical conductivity, and corrosion resistance. These materials are often used for precision components with specific functional requirements.
Excellent machinability
Good electrical conductivity
Good corrosion resistance
Suitable for small precision components
Stable dimensional performance
Copper, Brass, Bronze, C360
Electrical connectors
Fittings
Valves
Bushings
Precision components
Polishing, Plating, Passivation
POM is selected for precision CNC machined parts requiring low friction, wear resistance, and dimensional stability. It is commonly used for mechanical components that require smooth movement and reliable repeatability.
Low friction
Excellent wear resistance
Good dimensional stability
High stiffness
Good machinability
POM / Delrin®
Bushings
Gears
Rollers
Spacers
Precision mechanical parts
As Machined, Polishing, Custom Finishing
| Finishing Option | Surface Characteristics / Performance | Suitable Materials | Typical Applications |
| As Machined | Maintains original machining marks with controlled dimensional accuracy and functional performance | Aluminum, stainless steel, steel, titanium, plastics | Mechanical components, prototypes, functional parts |
| Anodizing | Improves corrosion resistance, surface hardness, and appearance of aluminum components | Aluminum alloys | Aerospace parts, housings, precision components |
| Bead Blasting | Creates a uniform matte texture and removes machining marks | Aluminum, stainless steel, steel | Enclosures, visible components, industrial parts |
| Polishing | Improves surface smoothness and appearance for cosmetic or precision applications | Aluminum, stainless steel, brass | Visible components, medical parts, precision hardware |
| Electroless Nickel Plating | Provides uniform coating thickness, corrosion resistance, and improved wear performance | Steel, stainless steel, aluminum | Precision components, shafts, industrial parts |
| Passivation | Removes surface contaminants and improves corrosion resistance of stainless steel parts | Stainless steel | Medical components, precision equipment |
| Powder Coating | Provides durable protection and customizable appearance | Aluminum, steel | Housings, industrial components |
| Black Oxide | Provides mild corrosion protection while maintaining dimensional stability | Steel | Mechanical parts, tooling components |
| CNC Machining Capability | Typical Accuracy | Engineering Consideration | Applications |
| 3 Axis CNC Machining | ±0.05 mm | Accessible features, stable setups, material behavior | Plates, brackets, housings |
| 4 Axis CNC Machining | ±0.03 mm | Rotary positioning, fixture stability, feature alignment | Cylindrical features, angled holes |
| 5 Axis CNC Machining | Up to ±0.01 mm | Tool orientation, collision control, machining strategy, inspection | Complex aerospace, medical, precision parts |
3-axis machining suits accessible features such as plates, pockets, and holes. 4-axis adds rotary access for cylindrical and multi-side features. 5-axis enables complex surfaces, angled features, undercuts, and multi-face machining with fewer setups.
Not always. 5-axis machining has higher machine and programming costs, but it can reduce total cost for complex parts by minimizing setups, repositioning, and multiple operations. For simple accessible parts, 3-axis machining is usually more efficient.
The right choice depends on geometry, feature access, tolerance requirements, material, and production goals. 3-axis suits accessible features; 4-axis helps with rotary and multi-side features; 5-axis is used for complex surfaces, deep cavities, undercuts, and multi-face machining.
Mastars focuses on 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis CNC machining. For highly specialized parts, our engineers review geometry, tolerance requirements, and functional needs to determine the most suitable manufacturing approach.
STEP, IGES, SOLIDWORKS, and Parasolid files are accepted. For complex multi-axis parts, 3D CAD helps evaluate tool access, machining strategy, and manufacturability. Drawings with GD&T and critical dimensions improve production planning.
5-axis machining improves complex-part accuracy by reducing setups and repositioning. Fewer setups help maintain feature relationships and improve consistency for multi-face components.
Yes. Mastars supports CNC machining of a wide range of metals and engineering plastics, including aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, steel, copper alloys, and high-performance plastics.
For difficult-to-machine materials such as titanium, engineers consider material characteristics, tooling strategy, cutting conditions, and part geometry to achieve reliable machining results.
Yes. Mastars supports 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis CNC machining from prototype validation to production. Engineers review geometry, materials, tolerances, and machining feasibility before scaling into repeat manufacturing.
Mastars supports large-format 5-axis CNC machining for components up to 4000 × 1500 × 600 mm. Actual achievable size depends on part geometry, material, fixture requirements, and machining strategy.
5-axis CNC machining provides several advantages for complex parts, including fewer setups, improved positional accuracy, better surface finish, and greater design flexibility. By allowing the cutting tool to approach the part from multiple angles, 5-axis machining can produce complex contours, angled features, and undercuts more efficiently than traditional machining methods.
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