A CNC machine transforms raw material into a finished model through different methods, either by adding (additive) or removing (subtractive) material.
Types of CNC milling machines include;
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3-axis milling machines can cut in the X, Y and Z axis. This is the most common variety of milling machine. You can cut vertically and in any direction.
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4-axis milling machines are more complex because they add the ability to rotate the x-axis, similar to a lathe.
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5-axis milling machines incorporate rotation in both the x- and y-axes. This is the most complete milling machine you can have. It allows you to shape bones, aerospace structures, car models, medical products, and pretty much anything else you can imagine.