What materials can be machined effectively using 4 Axis CNC Milling?

What Materials Can Be Machined Effectively Using 4 Axis CNC Milling?

Material Versatility of 4 Axis CNC Milling

4 Axis CNC milling machines offer precise rotary positioning, making them ideal for producing multi-surface and cylindrical components from a wide variety of materials. The enhanced axis control enables continuous tool engagement, superior surface finish, and reduced setup changes—especially valuable when machining complex geometries in metals, plastics, and ceramics.

Metal Materials

Aluminum Alloys

Lightweight and easy to machine, aluminum is well-suited for 4 axis operations. Alloys such as Aluminum 6061, 7075, and ADC12 (A380) are commonly used in aerospace, robotics, and electronics for structural and heat-dissipating parts.

Titanium Alloys

Strong, corrosion-resistant, and used in high-stress environments, titanium—especially Ti-6Al-4V (TC4)—is effectively machined using 4 axis tools. Applications include aerospace turbine components, medical implants, and nuclear systems.

Stainless Steels

Grades like SUS304, SUS316L, and SUS630 (17-4PH) provide high strength and corrosion resistance. These are widely used in medical, automation, and marine industries where multi-angle features are common.

Superalloys

Nickel-based materials such as Inconel 718 and Hastelloy C-276 are ideal for extreme heat and chemical environments. 4 axis milling enables machining of turbine blades, valve bodies, and aerospace brackets with consistent tool angles and fewer setups.

Copper and Brass

Soft yet dimensionally stable, alloys like Copper C110 and Brass C360 are used for electrical, plumbing, and industrial parts requiring radial features or multi-sided holes.

Engineering Plastics

PEEK, Acetal (POM), Nylon

Engineering plastics like PEEK, Acetal, and Nylon PA are effectively machined using 4 axis motion, allowing smoother surface finishes and complex shapes for gears, bushings, and housings.

PTFE and Polycarbonate

Materials such as PTFE and Polycarbonate benefit from reduced vibration and better chip evacuation in 4 axis operations, improving dimensional accuracy for sealing parts and transparent enclosures.

Ceramics

Zirconia (ZrO₂), Alumina (Al₂O₃), Silicon Carbide

Advanced ceramics are brittle and challenging to machine, but 4 axis control allows stable cutting of parts with undercuts, curves, and angular holes. Materials like Zirconia and Alumina are ideal for medical tools, thermal insulation components, and electrical insulators.

Full-Service 4 Axis CNC Machining for All Material Types

Neway Machining delivers precision 4 Axis CNC Milling services across a wide material spectrum—from aluminum alloys and superalloys to engineering plastics and ceramics. With ±0.01 mm tolerances, integrated surface treatments, and global fulfillment, we ensure optimal results from prototype to production.