The primary advantage of mehrachsfräsen lies in its ability to produce intricate shapes and features that are difficult or impossible to achieve with conventional three-axis milling. This includes undercuts, deep pockets with angled walls, and complex surfaces with continuous curvature. By minimizing the need for multiple setups and re-fixturing of the workpiece, mehrachsfräsen significantly reduces manufacturing time and improves accuracy, as each re-positioning step can introduce errors.
Mehrachsfräsen is categorized into different types, primarily based on the number and configuration of the axes. Three-axis milling is the most basic form. Four-axis milling adds one rotational axis, while five-axis milling adds two rotational axes. The rotational axes can be configured in various ways, such as tilting the spindle head or rotating the workpiece on a trunnion table. This technology is widely employed in industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical device manufacturing, and mold making, where precision and the ability to machine complex parts are crucial.