Best 5-Axis 3D Printer: 6 Best Options
With the release of 5-axis 3D printers, 3D printing has evolved to unprecedented heights. These printers provide more flexibility, accuracy, and the ability to create intricate geometries without needing too strong support structures than conventional 3-axis machines. In this post, we investigate some of the top 5-axis 3D printers on the market, including their features, advantages, and specs to enable you to choose wisely.
1. Pocket NC V2-50
Designed mostly for small workshops, labs, and prototyping environments, the Pocket NC V2-50 is a small, incredibly portable 5-axis 3D printer. Though small in scale, its performance is superb, so users can easily print complex designs. Particularly for complicated parts requiring machining from several angles, the V2-50's strong frame and precision motors guarantee high-quality outputs.
Its portability makes it one of the best tools available for engineers and enthusiasts seeking a flexible tool in a small workspace. Perfect for detailed prototyping, the Pocket NC V2-50 is compatible with a variety of materials, including plastics and soft metals like aluminum. Its simplicity lets users easily program difficult motions and its accuracy qualifies for both professional and instructional use.
- 5-axis desktop CNC milling machine
- Suitable for prototyping small and intricate one-off or low-volume parts
- Price: $9,700
2. FANUC Robodrill With 5-Axis Additive Head
Combining FANUC's famed CNC capabilities with 3D printing technology, the FANUC Robodrill with 5-Axis Additive Head is a novel machine. With both subtractive and additive manufacturing made possible by this hybrid system, production gains unmatched adaptability. Industries needing high throughput and sophisticated parts would find the Robodrill, with its speed and accuracy, a perfect fit.
Thanks to its multi-axis action, the additive head helps to create complex components with low material waste. In sectors like aerospace, where weight reduction and sophisticated geometries are vital, this machine is especially helpful. Highly sophisticated, Robodrill's control system provides real-time feedback and monitoring to guarantee the best printing conditions. Reduced cycle times, less material costs, and the possibility of producing lightweight, durable parts help users.
- X- axis mm 500
- Y- axis mm 400
- Z- axis mm 330
- Diameter mm 130
- Price: On-demand
2. DMG Mori LASERTEC 65 3D
Combining 5-axis milling with laser deposition, the hybrid manufacturing machine DMG Mori LASERTEC 65 3D creates metal parts with intricate geometries and low supports. Designed for high-precision industries, including automotive, aerospace, and energy, it has hybrid features that let users mill, print, and finish parts all within the same machine, drastically lowering manufacturing times and costs.
High-strength components from materials like titanium and stainless steel can be created due to the machine's great build volume and strong laser deposition system. It also provides a great degree of adaptability, enabling consumers to alternate between additive and subtractive manufacturing based on need. The user interface of the LASERTEC 65 is simple, and it includes sophisticated monitoring systems to guarantee repeatability and accuracy during the manufacturing process.
Spindle speed range: 14000 1/min
Spindle motor power: 14 kW (100% ED)
Tool taper: HSK64
Laser power: 2.5 KW
Number of axes: 5
Price: €250,000
3. CNC Design 5AXISMAKER
Combining CNC milling with 3D printing in one system, the CNC Design 5AXISMAKER is a singular 5-axis machine. It is ideal for designers, engineers, and educational institutions requiring a flexible tool for prototyping and small-scale manufacturing. The machine, comprising plastics, wood, and metal, among other materials, is an all-in-one solution for a variety of uses.
Because of its multi-axis capabilities, users may create highly detailed parts with complicated geometries. High-precision motors and a strong frame on the machine guarantee the accurate output of even the most complex designs. Its open software architecture lets users easily adapt processes and combine outside programs to satisfy particular production requirements. Anyone wishing to mix the flexibility of 3D printing in a single machine with the accuracy of CNC will find the 5AXISMAKER perfect.
- 5-axis CNC milling machine
- Metal milling, among other materials
- Working volume 120 x 120 x 120mm
- Solid mono-block cast body for maximum stability
- Strain Wave “Harmonic Reducers” for extreme accuracy and zero backlash
- Price: £10,280
4. MasterPrint 5X by Camozzi Machine Tools
Camozzi Machine Tools' MasterPrint 5X is a 5-axis industrial machine that has found widespread use in many different industries, including but not limited to the machining of boat hulls and the production of molds for airplane fuselages, wings, and other components.
In order to facilitate rapid, high-quality 5-axis printing or machining, the 5X does away with the need to rotate the bed in favor of an articulated, swiveling nozzle. The other printers on this list can't compare to its enormous print bed, which solidifies its position as a viable industrial option.
From initial planning and simulation through optimization and diagnostic execution, Ingersoll's proprietary software covers it all. Milling, fiber placement, tape laying, inspection, and trimming are just a few of the many uses for the MasterPrint 5X's versatile configurations beyond 3D printing.
- Working volume starts at X 6 m – Y 4 m – Z 2 m
- Extruder nominal throughputs from 150 Lbs/h to 1000 Lbs/h fed by equal size drier equipment
- 5-axis milling head outputs 25kW pf power
- 18.000 rpm max spin HSK 63A
- Price: On-demand
5. Open5X by Freddie Hong
The Open5X is a freely available upgrade for the Prusa i3 that basically turns it into a full-fledged 5-axis 3D printer. Being one of the earliest makers to venture into the 5-axis scene, the Open5X is strikingly similar to the RepRaps from the early 2000s and uses only 3D-printed components.
The purpose of this revamping is to modify a Prusa i3 printer so that it can replace the bed and incorporate two axes for rotation. The Prusa i3 printer is compatible with any material, and by modifying the tool head on top of the fourth and fifth axes, you can widen the range even more.
Imperial College London's Freddie Hong, the creator, is now maintaining a sizable repository of software for 5-axis machines. Consolidating several open-source 5-Axis implementations assists in removing the existing software bottleneck and provides a foundation for others to build upon when developing their own software or hardware.
Price: $9,945.
Best 3D Modeling Software
Having looked at best 5-axis 3D printers, it’s also important to have a look at the best 3D printing software. There are many that are available, but we recommend SelfCAD. SelfCAD is an easy-to-use 3D design program for novice and expert users. The software runs online as well as on Windows and macOS. SelfCAD enables users to quickly and easily design both simple and complex 3D models 3D models with ease. Get to know how the software works in the video below.
SelfCAD also comes with many resources for learning, including interactive tutorials, SelfCAD academy, and many YouTube videos like 3D modeling tutorials for beginners and 3D modeling 101 series. SelfCAD also comes with an in-built online slicer that you can use to slice your designs and generate the G-code to send to your 3D printer. Learn how to slice STL files in SelfCAD in the video below.
Experience Cutting-Edge 5-Axis Printing
In the last ten years, there has been a meteoric rise in the popularity of 5-axis 3D printing, owing to the widespread interest in and support for the technology. It appears like this rate is only going up as more and more creators work on their own versions of these printers.
5-axis 3D printers provide amazing flexibility and accuracy for industrial and creative uses. From small prototyping solutions to strong industrial-grade machines able to manufacture intricate metal parts, every one of the printers mentioned in this article adds something special. Whether your work is in engineering, design, manufacturing, or another field, these printers give the freedom required to stretch additive manufacturing's possibilities.
In light of these changes, researchers are continuing to hone in on the software bottleneck problem and learn more about it. An indicator of the field's rapid advancement is the proliferation of such autonomous endeavors.
Enjoy powerful modeling, rendering, and 3D printing tools without the steep learning curve.
Need to learn 3D modeling? Get started with interactive tutorials.