5-Axis Deep Hole Drilling: When It Helps and When It Doesn't
I’ve run both 3-axis and 5-axis deep hole drilling machines. The 5-axis machines cost more — sometimes significantly more — and they’re more complex to program and maintain. But for certain types of work, they’re the only practical option. Here’s how I think about the decision. What the Extra Axes Give You A standard 3-axis deep hole drilling machine (X, Y, Z) can position the drill at any point in a plane and drill straight down. The drill axis is fixed vertically or horizontally. ...