5-axis on large steel with external spindles
Large mould blocks and heavy parts often exceed the table and weight limits of a 5-axis machine. We keep these parts clamped on a large machine and machine angled faces and side bores with an external spindle in the same setup. No re-clamping means no loss of accuracy, and the cost drops well below 5-axis machine-hour rates.
Many faces in one setup
Conventional 3-axis work needs a new setup for every face, and every setup costs time and accuracy. In 5-axis machining the part is clamped once and five faces plus angled holes are finished in one go: shorter lead time, more consistent dimensions.
Typical applications
Angled cooling-channel entries, inclined mould surfaces, side bores and pockets, complex machine housings, one-off prototypes. Send your STEP model and we will propose the most economical machining strategy.
Frequently asked questions
What is an external spindle?
An angle head mounted on the main spindle. It turns the tool axis to 90° or an adjustable angle so side faces and angled holes are machined on a large machine without unclamping the part.
Does an external spindle reduce accuracy?
No. The part is not re-clamped, so the reference is kept. Critical surfaces are still inspected.
Why is it cheaper than a 5-axis machine?
The large part is machined on a large machine without needing a 5-axis machine; standard machine hours replace expensive ones and the number of setups drops.