Precision 5-Axis CNC Machining

Hirose Precision 5-Axis CNC Machining – Solution for Complex Aluminum Parts and Prototypes is a service in the field of precision mechanical machining / 5-axis CNC machining / aluminum machining / complex part machining / multi-surface machining / prototype machining / machine part machining / high-mix low-volume production, provided by Hirose Industry Co., Ltd. – ヒロセ工業株式会社 to businesses manufacturing machinery, industrial equipment, medical devices, aerospace components, vehicles, molds, and other entities requiring precision metal component machining according to drawings.
The service is used for machining parts with multiple surfaces, 3D contours, curved surfaces, angled holes, cavities, and complex shapes, and is suitable for sample products, single-piece parts, and production batches with flexible quantities.
Hirose specializes in precision aluminum machining and can also process stainless steel, steel, titanium, brass, and copper. The company states its capability to handle orders from single pieces and prototypes to several hundred and several thousand products.
The machining plan should be based on drawings, material, part dimensions, shape, tolerances, surface roughness, quantity, machining location, inspection requirements, and delivery time.

1. Key Features of the Service

Hirose utilizes 3-axis and 5-axis machining centers, with a focus on developing linear drive 5-axis machine systems for precision machining and complex-shaped parts.
Since 2006, the company has focused its equipment investments on linear drive 5-axis machines combined with pallet changers, supporting the establishment of long-term unattended machining systems.
Typical equipment includes DMU80/60evo, HSC55 linear, and Sodick HS650, supporting simultaneous 5-axis machining, high-speed machining, and processing of complex surfaces.
The precision machining area is temperature-controlled 24 hours a day, combined with a specialized factory floor to reduce fluctuations affecting equipment accuracy. Hirose also offers a 24-hour unattended 5-axis machining system for suitable tasks.
The company specializes in small-sized parts, especially products the size of or smaller than a palm, suitable for machine components, equipment parts, and precision mechanical components.

2. What Needs Does the Service Address?

- Precision aluminum part machining.
- Multi-surface part machining.
- Complex 3D shape machining.
- Small-sized part machining.
- Prototype and single-piece production.
- High-mix low-volume production.
- Production from several hundred to several thousand parts.
- Machine component machining.
- Mold component machining.
- Industrial equipment part machining.
- Medical device component machining.
- Machining parts for the vehicle and aerospace sectors.
- Machining products according to customer drawings.

3. Selection and Machining Process

The process may include:
- Receiving drawings or 3D data.
- Material identification.
- Shape and machining location analysis.
- Tolerance and surface requirement determination.
- 3-axis or 5-axis machine selection.
- Machining programming.
- Fixturing plan design.
- Cutting tool and cutting condition selection.
- Trial machining or sample production.
- 5-axis CNC machining.
- Dimensional inspection.
- Quality evaluation.
- Adjustment if necessary.
- Production according to required quantity.

3.1. Criteria for Determining the Machining Plan

The machining plan should be based on:
- Part material.
- Product dimensions.
- Shape and number of surfaces to be machined.
- Dimensional tolerances.
- Roughness requirements.
- Product quantity.
- Prototype or mass production requirements.
- Fixturing requirements.
- Inspection requirements.
- Delivery time.
- Machining cost.
- Drawing data and 3D models.

3.2. Key Information and Characteristics

- Service: Hirose Precision 5-Axis CNC Machining.
- English Name: Hirose Precision 5-Axis CNC Machining.
- Provider: Hirose Industry Co., Ltd.
- Service Type: Precision mechanical machining.
- Main Technology: 5-axis CNC machining.
- Equipment: 3-axis machines and linear drive 5-axis machines.
- Simultaneous 5-axis machining: Yes.
- Pallet changer: Available on suitable systems.
- Unattended machining: Can be implemented for extended periods.
- Materials: Aluminum, stainless steel, steel, titanium, brass, and copper.
- Material strength: Aluminum.
- Size specialization: Small parts, especially palm-sized or smaller.
- Production volume: From single pieces, prototypes to several hundred and several thousand products.
- Production type: Prototypes, high-mix low-volume production, and production by order.
- Inspection: 3D coordinate measuring machines and other precision measuring equipment.
- Applications: Machine components, industrial equipment, molds, medical devices, vehicles, and precision mechanical parts.

3.3. Information Customers Need to Provide

- Company name.
- Industry using the product.
- 2D drawings.
- 3D data or models if available.
- Required material.
- Part dimensions.
- Tolerances.
- Surface roughness requirements.
- Locations requiring precision machining.
- Product quantity.
- Need for prototypes or mass production.
- Surface treatment requirements if any.
- Inspection requirements.
- Desired delivery time.

3.4. Pre-Production Review and Evaluation

Before machining, it is necessary to check drawings, 3D data, material, dimensions, tolerances, surfaces to be machined, and locations with complex shapes.
It is necessary to evaluate tool accessibility, number of machining directions, fixturing methods, and part tilting requirements to select the appropriate 5-axis approach.
For parts requiring high precision, measurement locations, measurement methods, and inspection criteria must be determined in advance.
After machining, products can be inspected using 3D coordinate measuring machines, contact and non-contact measuring devices, and other precision measuring equipment to confirm dimensions and shapes.

4. Benefits for Customers and Businesses

Hirose Precision 5-Axis CNC Machining helps customers implement products following a model that combines programming – multi-axis machining – pallet automation – inspection – quality control.
The capability for simultaneous 5-axis machining supports processing multiple surfaces and complex shapes with appropriate fixturing, thereby reducing the number of part repositioning compared to processes requiring multiple setups on conventional machines.
The specialization in aluminum, small-sized parts, and flexible production makes the service suitable for both prototype development and actual production needs.
The 5-axis machine system combined with pallet changers and unattended machining also helps Hirose enhance its capability to fulfill high-mix and flexible-volume orders.

5. Highlights and Suitable Customers

- Specializes in precision mechanical machining.
- Strong in aluminum machining.
- Supports CNC from 3-axis to 5-axis.
- Capable of simultaneous 5-axis machining.
- Uses linear drive 5-axis machines.
- Has a pallet changer system.
- Supports long-term unattended machining.
- Machining area is temperature-controlled 24 hours a day.
- Strong in small-sized parts.
- Can machine complex shapes.
- Accepts sample products and single pieces.
- Can handle several hundred to several thousand products.
- Machines aluminum, stainless steel, steel, titanium, brass, and copper.
- Has a 3D coordinate measuring system.
- Suitable for high-mix low-volume production.
- Suitable for machine components, molds, industrial equipment, medical devices, vehicles, and aerospace.
Hirose Precision 5-Axis CNC Machining is suitable for businesses that require machining of aluminum or metal parts with complex shapes, multiple surfaces, small dimensions, and high precision requirements, from prototype and single-piece stages to batch production, especially when needing to combine 5-axis machining, automation, and precise inspection.