5DLC – Five-Axis Laser Cutting Machine

The fundamental difference between 3 axis vs 5 axis is the number of axes used to machine the workpiece. Although both are used for high-precision, automated precision machining, there are differences.

3 axis laser cutter
The 3 axis laser cutter cuts from front to back and left to right along the X, Y and Z axes. 3 axis laser is suitable for precision cutting of flat geometries. This is the most common type of machine used by many sheet metal fabricators. The 3 axis laser cutter is the best choice for cutting regular sheet metal.
Its disadvantage is that it can only cut vertically. For unconventional, complex, and unevenly shaped parts, constant parameter updating and repositioning is required, and the results may need to be more satisfactory.

5 axis laser machine
In contrast to the 3 axis, the 5 axis laser machine adds the A and B axes around the selection and the X, Y and Z axes. This means that the laser head of the 5 axis laser machine can be angled to cut, and complex shapes of collars can enter the cutting path into the computer and cut without problems.
The 5 axis laser machine is ideally suited for cutting irregularly shaped and complex workpieces.