Strategic Economic Viability: Why 3+2 Machining Centres are the Backbone of Modern Contract Manufacturing

In the world of CNC machining, there is often a misconception that „true“ simultaneous 5-axis machining is absolutely essential for all complex tasks. However, market analyses show that around 90% of all 5-axis applications can, in practice, be solved more efficiently using so-called 3+2 positioning – also known as positional 5-axis machining. In this process, the fourth and fifth axes are used to fix the workpiece at a precise angle, after which the actual machining takes place with the stability and power of a 3-axis operation.

The economic superiority of this approach over pure 5-axis machining centres (MCs) is primarily evident in investment costs and flexibility. While acquiring a dedicated 5-axis centre often requires investments between $250,000 and $500,000, a powerful vertical 3-axis centre can already be equipped or retrofitted with a high-quality Lehmann rotary table for $80,000 to $150,000. This modular approach also offers the advantage that the machine can be used again for high-volume 3-axis work at any time if required, simply by dismantling the rotary table. And if simultaneous 5-axis machining is needed in the interim, the 3+2 solution does not need to hide from a pure 5-axis machine, provided the CNC control is designed for it (often available as an option).

Another technical aspect is mass inertia. In pure 5-axis machines, the entire, heavy machine table together with the workpiece often has to be moved by the fourth and fifth axes. In contrast, with a mounted pL LEHMANN solution, only the rotary axes and the workpiece itself move. This significantly reduces the masses to be accelerated, which not only improves dynamics but also lowers energy consumption per component – a critical factor in cost calculations for 2026.