OKUMA GUIDE

5-AXIS MACHINING
THE MACHINING INDUSTRY IS EVER EVOLVING; it ebbs and flows with
the market’s needs. What remains on a steady incline is the need for speed,
capacity, accuracy, skilled labor and reduction of human error, regardless of
industry or shop size. As technology advances, demand for complex parts at a
fast pace is higher than ever.

New machine technologies are born with the above needs in mind, especially
5-axis technologies. Whether or not you’re new to 5-axis, or maybe machining in
general, we’re here to relieve the complexity that tends to revolve around 5-axis
operations, and to reveal how 5-axis can make your shop run as efficiently as
possible with an incredible ROI.

A 5-axis machine
allows tools to move
simultaneously around
5 axes of an object.

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5-axis machines utilize the typical X, Y and Z axes in conjunction with the A
and B axes so that your tools can get to five sides of a part, no extra turning or
setup required.

If you’ve never seen 5-axis in motion, try this: Hold an object from the bottom,
out in front of you. Point a pen down vertically above the object. While tipping the
object left and right, forward and backward (the A and B axes), simultaneously
move the pen up, down, side to side, in and out (the X, Y and Z axes).

While deeply simplified, this can begin to lend insight to the 5-axis process. You
can also check out our YouTube channel to view more in-depth videos of the
5-axis process and the different products it can create, such as Darth Vader.

Working on a 5-axis machine minimizes

setups, allows for faster cycle time,
produces less scrap, increases spindle
up time and, contrary to popular belief,
actually lessens the need for highly trained
individuals, giving your shop the ability to
open its possibilities.

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01 THE HISTORY OF 5-AXIS
For years, machine owners have been adding additional components to
upgrade their machine’s efficiency and accuracy. While 5-axis may be a
relatively new concept for some shops, using simultaneous multiple axes can
be traced back to the late 50’s and early 60’s. According to machine industry
historian, Golden E. Herrin, 5-axis machining was viewed as a development
beyond the realm of reality, especially by those who were already attempting to
include prismatic parts, rotary table and trunnions in order to maneuver outside
the traditional X, Y and Z axes.

Over the last few decades, 5-axis

advancements have made 5-axis machining
centers as much of a reality as any vertical
or horizontal machining center. Preview
Over the last few decades, 5-axis advancements have made 5-axis machining
centers as much of a reality as any vertical or horizontal machining center.
Even from the start, the 5-axis process was so impressive, it quickly developed
into a crucial part of the US military, air force and aerospace industries; and as
technology and hardware progressed, its functions got easier to use, making the
process more accessible. But, even though 5-axis has been a game-changer
across the CNC spectrum for over half a century, there are still reservations in
many of US shops.

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02 OVERCOMING HESITATIONS FOR
INVESTING IN 5-AXIS
Maybe you already know exactly how 3+2 and simultaneous 5-axis work, as
well as their strengths and weaknesses, but you’re still thinking “my shop can’t
do, or doesn’t need, 5-axis.” We get it. 5-axis machines have a stigma of being
too complex or too expensive, with underlying issues in positional inaccuracies
as well as labor and software training. Luckily, today’s 5-axis machines are much
more refined than the machines that existed even 5-10 years ago.

HERE ARE SOME COMMON MYTHS WE HEAR REGARDING 5-AXIS:

MYTH #1
5-axis MACHINE CONTROLS ARE TOO COMPLEX
Not with Okuma machines. Okuma machines include our very own OSP P300M
controls which are intuitive and easy to use. Our OSP control Is Microsoft
Windows based and uses a standard G code format with menu-driven cycles.
It’s completely customizable through our Okuma app store.

MYTH #2
5-axis MACHINES ARE TOO EXPENSIVE
When you compare your standard vertical machining center to a 5-axis machine,
the numbers can appear daunting. That’s why it’s important to look at the big
picture. If your vertical machine is using special software or parts to achieve five
axes or even a 3+2 operation, you’ve already spent the money in add-ons and
processing time without receiving any of the 5-axis machine benefits (e.g. 5-axis
autotuning, posture control, etc.*). Plus, the return your shop will see with 5-axis
heavily outweighs the initial cost.
*See “GETTING THE MOST OUT OF 5-axis” section below

MYTH #3
I DON’T THINK MY SHOP HAS 5-axis SOFTWARE CAPABILITIES
It’s much easier to bridge the gap between your system and 5-axis machines
than you think. If you already possess Mastercam, GibbsCam, Autodesk, Espirit,
HyperMill, NX or another similar software, your 5-axis machine can directly
translate the code dialect.

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MYTH #4
I DON’T HAVE THE TRAINING
At Okuma, we provide a multitude of resources for you when you purchase a
machine. This includes 5-axis onsite training, PCNC Master and offsite training.
Between our partners (including education partners such as York Tech), your
distributor and our team, we’ll have you settled and making the most of your
machine in no time.

MYTH #5
I CAN’T FIND ENOUGH SKILLED LABOR FOR 5-axis
Actually, 5-axis no longer requires specially trained labor, it’s almost as easy
as any other machine! Our 5-axis machine’s dynamic fixture offset eliminates
the need to set the part on the exact center of rotation, giving any employee
the opportunity to excel in 5-axis setup. Our machines are as close as possible
to the “done in one” mantra, which means there’s a massive reduction of
processing time and potential for human error.

MYTH #6
TRADITIONALLY, 5-axis MACHINES CREATE POSITIONAL INACCURACIES
As with any machine, advancements are happening constantly. Our OSP 5-axis
autotuning performs tuning quickly and accurately and compensates up to 11
geometric errors, including volumetric accuracy. Adjustments can be made in
just 10 minutes, and it does not require a high level of skill.

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03 3+2 VS SIMULTANEOUS 5-AXIS
Maybe the hesitation towards 5-axis doesn’t involve any of the above topics,
but something much simpler: you’re already running a 3+2 operation. So, the
question becomes, why bother investing in an entirely new machine if you can
hit the 5 axes by adding pieces to your current vertical machine?

3+2 machining is achieved by adding a rotary table or tilt-rotary trunnion to a

vertical machine. The part stays stationary, but the addition allows the tool to
machine the part from all of its sides. With simultaneous 5-axis, the part and tool
are both in constant motion to maintain continuous contact.

Because of the intentional addition of axes

in 5-axis machines, they are built not only
to handle, but constantly improve upon the
5-axis process.

Simultaneous 5-axis
machining (linear and
rotary), for single chucking
04 WOULD YOUR BUSINESS BENEFIT applications with less
FROM 5-AXIS? fixturing. Resulting in shorter
lead-times with improved
5-axis is best known for its ability to create complex parts, such as turbine productivity.
blades, propellers, or orthopedic and knee implants. Before 5-axis, these parts
were achieved by adding on fixtures or steps in the setup process. If your shop
is currently using additional setups on your VMCs, you’re a strong candidate
for a 5-axis machine. If you’re looking to reduce the need for highly skilled
labor, 5-axis would also be a smart investment. In all honesty, if you’re currently
running any sort of VMC, there’s a strong possibility your shop would be
achieving a lot more by investing in 5-axis.

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The top industries for 5-axis:

• Aerospace

• Energy

• Automotive

• Die/Mold

• Job Shops

Many machine shops assume 5-axis is not for them because they don’t machine
parts that are considered “5-axis parts,” but that’s just not the case anymore.

5-axis machines can make any shop

run more efficiently, regardless of size or
production.
Blisk

Any part that gets machined on more than one side will benefit from the reduced
part handling, speed and accuracy that comes with 5-axis machining. 5-axis
machines can also open your business up to new business opportunities that
may not have been reachable before.

Satelllite Parts

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Take a small machine shop in Irvine, California, for instance. They were using
a rotary table on top of another rotary for 3+2 on their older vertical machines.
The result was a steady but sloppy operation. While they were looking at
adding another vertical machine, they received a demo for 5-axis from their
local distributor. After investing in just one 5-axis machine, they found it had
an incredible return. Soon, the shop discovered they could heavily increase
production and eventually upgraded to a larger shop to keep up with their large
demand. Today, they can’t imagine where they’d be without 5-axis and say
they’re shocked by how easy the whole process really is. 5-axis gave them the
ability to quote parts they never thought they could produce—it changed the
game for their profits and entire operation.

05 GETTING THE MOST OUT OF 5-AXIS

Our 5-axis machines offer a wide variety of capabilities that can often be
underutilized. Although it might seem overwhelming, if you’ve invested in
our 5-axis machines, it’s important to us that we help you get everything you
can out of it for the best return. Below is a brief overview of the software and
controls our 5-axis machines offer to help you get the most out of your 5-axis.

TOOL CENTER POINT CONTROL DYNAMIC FIXTURE OFFSET (3+2)

(SIMULTANEOUS 5-axis)
• Set one work coordinate and then all the
• Shorten cycle time others will be calculated by the CNC control

• Improve the quality of the machined surface • “One and done”

• Compensate for fluctuation of rotary axes in • Get a simplified part program

the part program

• Simplify operation by accomplishing all this

in the background of the CNC control with
activation handled by one code

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5-axis AUTOTUNING SUPER NURBS

• Performs tuning quickly and accurately • Stands for Non-Uniform Rational Basis Spline.

• Compensates up to 11 geometric errors, including • Super NURBS shortens your feedback loop in the
volumetric accuracy control

• Adjustments can be performed in approximately 10 • The OSP control projects a predetermined tolerance
minutes (vs. 5 hours or more for manual methods) band and creates a spline that is considered to be
the best fit for the job. This eliminates redundancies
• Does not require a high level of skill to operate and allows for a smoother tool path. With less data to
crunch, movements are sped up—but the highest level
POSTURE CONTROL of accuracy is maintained to create quality surface

• Minimizes drastic rotary angular changes by enabling finishes

minor axis inversions to be filtered

• A must for today’s high-speed, high-accuracy

• Postures the tool in a manner that minimizes the machining for those who want to generate higher

turnover or fluctuation that occurs when you are quality surface finish
contouring surfaces
• Eliminate all of the facets in your finished product

• In certain applications, if you don’t use this feature,

HIGH SPEED, HIGH ACCURACY
the machine motion will jerk and prohibit clean,
smooth lines • High-speed, high-accuracy part machining

• Cuts feed rate and acceleration automatically

controlled based on command shapes and machine
characteristics

• Shortens cycle time while guaranteeing designated

machining accuracy

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06 OUR 5-AXIS MACHINES
For those that may not be as familiar with Okuma machines, here’s a little
cheat sheet.

TOP SELLING 5-axis MACHINES

GENOS M460V-5AX MU-4000V MU-5000V

Work envelope (in): Work envelope (in): Work envelope (in):
30x18x18 30x18x18 31x41x23

MU-6300V MU-8000V MU-10000H

Work envelope (in): Work envelope (in): Max workpiece: Ø59.05 x 44.29
36x41x23 36x41x23 Max load 5,500 lbs.

MILLAC 800VH MILLAC 1000VH MU-S600V

Max dia. 31.50" Max dia. 49.20" Work envelope (in)
Max length 31.50" Max length 42.50" 28x20x20

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TOP SELLING 5-axis MACHINES CONTINUED

VTM-1200YB VTM-2000YB
Max dia. Ø49.20" Max length 42.50 Max dia. Ø78.74" Max length 55.12
Spindle: Ø380 Flat Spindle: Ø1,400 Tablet

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For more information about Okuma products, contact your local Okuma
distributor or schedule an appointment to visit us at one of the following locations:

Okuma America Corporation The Okuma Technical Center at Hartwig Houston

11900 Westhall Drive 10321 Regal Row
Charlotte, NC 28278 Houston, TX 77040
P: 704.588.7000 P: 713.749.9600

Partners in THINC The Okuma Technical Center at Morris Midwest

12428 Sam Neely Road 68 Congress Circle W.
Charlotte, NC 28278 Roselle, IL 60172
P: 704.587.6789 P: 630.351.1901

Contact your local distributor at www.okuma.com/distributors

© 2019 Okuma America Corporation

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