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5-axis milling machine

Our high-tech equipment

The 5-axis milling machine represents the pinnacle of modern machining technology – it opens up possibilities for mold making and CNC machining in general that significantly surpass conventional milling technology.

Complex geometries and the highest accuracy requirements can be elegantly realized with 5-axis CNC, even in hard-to-reach areas.

Our high-performance, high-tech milling machines from Zimmermann are suitable for virtually all materials – from polystyrene to steel – as well as composite components and material combinations. This allows us to meet the challenge of machining a wide variety of materials precisely and flexibly.

We look back with pride on a 60-year company history: Schröter Modell- und Formenbau thus stands for lasting experience and innovative flexibility, supported by a growing, state-of-the-art milling center.

The most important information at a glance

With our portfolio of state-of-the-art 5-axis machines, competent employees, highly developed CAD/CAM technology and digitized processes, we offer the right solution for every challenge in mold making and CNC machining: from complex assemblies to large components, from prototypes to small series, from polystyrene to composites to steel.

Our portal-type milling machines, combined with 5-axis simultaneous machining, TEBIS software, Heidenhain controls and well-thought-out processes, ensure maximum productivity, precision, surface quality and flexibility.

Advantages such as automation, efficiency, repeatability, process reliability and customized complete machining make us your first point of contact when demanding workpieces need to be milled.

Do you have questions? Click here to go directly to your personal contact person for our 5-axis machines!

5-axis machining:
Solutions for manufacturing complex parts

Definition: What does 5-axis milling with a CNC machine mean?

5-axis milling refers to machining on CNC machines in which, in addition to the usual three linear axes (X, Y, Z axes), two rotary or swivel axes (a-axis, c-axis or other rotary axes) are also used. With this extended axis arrangement, the milling spindle and workpiece can be moved relative to each other in almost any orientation – enabling precise machining at the highest level.

With synchronised control of all axes (simultaneous machining), this CNC machine can produce complex geometries with the finest tolerances, flawless surface quality and maximum precision in a single pass.

This technology really comes into its own with demanding and large-format workpieces whose geometries and free-form surfaces – often in high-precision mould making or series production – would be difficult or impossible to achieve with simple 3-axis CNC machining centres, or only with numerous setups.

Advantages of CNC machining with the 5-axis milling machine

5-axis CNC machining offers enormous advantages over conventional milling technology approaches:

Thanks to multi-axis coordination, workpieces with complex shapes can be machined in a single setup – resulting in efficiency, shorter throughput times and higher productivity.

Simultaneous control significantly reduces set-up times, as less manual re-clamping is required.

Simultaneous 5-axis machining also allows machining of hard-to-reach areas and leads to improved surface quality and accuracy – because collisions and travel distances can be optimally controlled.

Thanks to our cooperation with the software provider TEBIS, we benefit from advanced CAD/CAM solutions: for example, AI-supported control systems enable new parameters and further strengthening of 5-axis technology.

Overview of the advantages of 5-axis simultaneous machining

Greater flexibility when machining complex shapes
Reduced set-up times thanks to multiple machining operations in a single setup
Improved surface quality and accuracy
Ability to machine areas that are difficult to access
AI-supported control systems and improved software solutions further expand the possibilities of 5-axis milling

Areas of application for 5-axis CNC

When modern industry demands maximum precision for workpieces – for example in mould making, aerospace, the automotive industry or composite processing – CNC machining centres without 5 axes reach their limits.

Complex geometries, tight tolerances, free-form surfaces and multi-material components require simultaneous 5-axis machining. This is where our technology comes in: we offer solutions for a wide range of applications – from prototype production and small series to large structural components.

The 5-axis milling machine is the central pillar for precise, productive and economical manufacturing.

The requirements:
What do 5-axis machining centres need?

Several components are essential for high-quality 5-axis CNC: a first-class machine, powerful software, experienced personnel, suitable tools and sound quality assurance.

Schröter meets all these requirements – we have state-of-the-art 5-axis machining centres, CAD/CAM infrastructure with TEBIS, trained specialists, high-quality milling spindles and tools.

Our employees combine many years of expertise in milling technology and CNC with practical programming and machine skills – creating the ideal conditions for precise, cost-effective production.

All in all, thanks to technology, software and our team, we enable the optimal use of milling technology.

Our services with the CNC milling machine

Our high-performance, high-tech milling machines from Zimmermann can process almost any material – from polystyrene and plastics to steel – as well as composite components and material combinations.

The maximum milling size in one piece is an impressive 8,000 × 3,500 × 2,500 mm. The 5-axis simultaneous machining and machining in a single clamping are particularly efficient – this saves time, increases accuracy and improves complete machining.

Our machine park includes five Zimmermann portal milling machines, all fully digitised for 100% simulation and collision detection prior to production.

We work with powerful TEBIS software at all 12 CAD/CAM workstations. Since May 2025, the new FZP32 machine has been complementing our centre – a state-of-the-art 5-axis portal milling machine with a thermosymmetrical portal, travel distances of 7,000 × 3,500 × 2,500 mm, feed rates of up to 60,000 mm/min and a maximum angular velocity of 180°/s. It effortlessly machines aluminium, plastics, urethane and fibre composites.

This further expands our milling centre and strengthens our position.

Our modern production technology is supported by 14 trained skilled workers who program and mill all their components themselves – whether using 5-axis simultaneous machining or classic 5-axis machining – with high standards of accuracy, repeatability and productivity. Fully digitalised processes enable simulated production, collision-free machining, efficient quality assurance and a significant reduction in waste.

5-axis CNC: our machines in detail

FZ37+ 5-axis high-speed portal milling machine (built in 2014)

Our FZ37+, a 5-axis portal milling machine from Zimmermann with Heidenhain iTNC 530 HSCI simultaneous control, combines large travel distances (8,000 × 3,500 × 2,500 mm) with high dynamics (feed rate up to 60,000 mm/min). Thanks to its portal design and simultaneous axis control, it masters large workpieces with exact precision – ideal for large parts in mould making or structural components. The high productivity and accuracy as well as the stable portal geometry of the CNC machine offer efficient complete machining with high surface quality, short cycle times, minimal tolerances, reliable repeatability and robust performance.

FZP32 5-axis high-speed portal milling machine (built in 2023)

The latest addition to our machine park: our FZP32 portal milling machine with thermosymmetrical portal and Heidenhain TNC 640 simultaneous control.

With travel distances of 7,000 × 3,500 × 2,500 mm and a feed rate of 60,000 mm/min as well as an axis speed of 180°/s, this 5-axis CNC machine is specially designed for demanding materials.

Aluminium, plastics, urethane and fibre composites are machined with maximum precision and state-of-the-art milling technology. Its thermosymmetrical portal minimises thermal distortion effects, increases accuracy and process stability – decisive features for demanding components with tight tolerances that require high surface quality and complex geometries.

FZ30 5-axis high-speed portal milling machine (built in 2012)

The FZ30 CNC machine with Heidenhain iTNC 530 controls 5 axes simultaneously over travel distances of

6,000 × 3,300 × 1,500 mm. It represents reliable, productive 5-axis machining with proven portal construction. Ideal for medium-sized workpieces, particularly suitable when high productivity, stable precision, good surface quality and economical production are required. Its performance remains constant even in continuous operation, offering proven repeatability and short cycle times with consistent accuracy.

5-axis high-speed CNC machine FZ33 Compact (built in 2014)

The compact FZ33 Compact with Heidenhain iTNC 530 HSCI offers travel distances of 3,000 × 2,500 × 1,250 mm with feed rates of up to 60,000 mm/min. Its compact portal design scores with its low space requirements and enables versatile application in the production of small to medium-sized components – ideal for complex geometric workpieces with high precision. We use the machine exclusively for wet machining of metals.

This CNC milling machine combines productivity, machining technology and flexibility in a space-saving machine with high repeatability and excellent surface quality.

5-Achsen-Hochgeschwindigkeits-Portalfräsmaschine FZ30 (Baujahr 2009)

Another example of our proven FZ30 series (2009), equipped with Heidenhain iTNC 530. It offers travel distances of 3,000 × 2,000 × 1,000 mm and 5-axis coordination.

This machine stands for robust continuous performance, reliable precision and consistent quality – ideal for smaller workpieces, small series and typical mould making tasks where space-saving portal design, proven technology and economical milling are required.

Your contact for the 5-axis CNC milling machine

Wolfgang Leutner
+49(0)8106-3778-50

info@modellbau-schroeter.de

FAQs

A 5-axis milling machine is a sophisticated CNC machine that integrates two additional rotary axes – for example, an A axis and a C axis – in addition to the classic three linear axes (X, Y and Z axes). This allows the milling spindle and workpiece to be moved into almost any spatial position relative to each other.

The result is maximum flexibility during machining and the ability to produce even very complex geometries in a single machining step. 5-axis machining really comes into its own when it comes to free-form surfaces, deep cavities or complicated contours.

For our customers, this means shorter cycle times, lower set-up costs and significantly increased precision in the manufacture of components.

5-axis simultaneous machining is the epitome of modern milling technology. While conventional CNC milling machines often have to content themselves with machining different surfaces or axes one after the other, here all axes move simultaneously. This means that even heavily curved surfaces or areas that are difficult to access can be machined in a single, continuous pass. This not only saves time, but also ensures consistently high surface quality and repeatability. In addition, many manual re-clamping operations that would otherwise be unavoidable with complex workpieces are eliminated.

The size of the workpieces that can be machined depends on the type of machine. Our largest portal milling machines can handle workpiece dimensions of up to 8,000 × 3,500 × 2,500 mm in one piece. This enables us to precisely manufacture not only small components, but also very large structures or moulds. This capacity is a major advantage, particularly in the field of mould making or for lightweight structures made of aluminium and fibre composites.

For us, quality does not begin at the milling machine, but rather in the digital planning stage. Each machining step is fully simulated in advance in TEBIS, so that potential collisions can be ruled out and machining strategies optimised. All machines are digitised, enabling seamless process control. This is complemented by the use of high-quality tools and regular workpiece measurement, ensuring that tight tolerances are maintained at all times.

At Schröter Formenbau, we deliberately rely on qualified specialists rather than separating planning and execution. Each of our 14 employees programs their own components – from CAD design and TEBIS programming to practical production on the machine. This approach has several advantages: Firstly, users are familiar with the entire process and can optimally adapt machining strategies. Secondly, it creates a close connection between digital planning and actual machining, which prevents errors and increases efficiency.

The main difference between these two forms of CNC machining lies in the freedom of movement. A classic 3-axis CNC milling machine can move and machine workpieces along the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis. This is perfectly adequate for many standard parts.

However, as soon as complex geometries, free-form surfaces or areas that are difficult to access need to be machined, this design reaches its limits: the workpiece would have to be re-clamped several times, which costs time and can lead to inaccuracies.

A 5-axis machine extends this degree of freedom with two additional rotary axes (for example, the A axis and the C axis). This makes it possible to swivel the tool or the table so that even complex geometries can be machined in a single operation. This reduces set-up times, improves surface quality and increases precision.

The costs for machining on a 5-axis milling machine depend on several factors:

Complexity of the component: The more demanding the geometry and the tighter the tolerances, the higher the programming and machining costs.
Material: Aluminium or plastic can be milled faster than high-strength steels or composite materials, which require longer machining times and special tools.
Component size: Very large workpieces require longer machining cycles and often special clamping devices.
Surface requirements: A particularly fine surface quality increases the machining time, as smaller feeds and finer milling tools must be used.
Quantity: In series production, optimised programmes and tools can achieve significant cost advantages, while individual pieces are usually more complex.

Overall, despite these factors, 5-axis machining often offers a more economical option, as several work steps are combined in the 5-axis machine, re-clamping is eliminated and precision is ensured from the outset.

For our customers, this means an optimal balance between quality, speed and cost.

Do you have any further questions?

Please feel free to contact our team.

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