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CNC Milling – 2D, 3D, 5-axis milling

Written By Dasarathi G V

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November 10, 2025

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CNC

What is 2D, 3D and 5-axis Milling
2D milling (also called 2.5 D milling): 1. The tool axis is constant during an operation. 2. The tool moves into the material along the Z axis axis, then mills a plane in X-Y. 3. The tool motion is along 1 or 2 axes simultaneously.
Video source: http://www.iscar.com
With a right angle head, the infeed axis may be X or Y instead of Z, and the plane in the other two axes.
3D milling 1. The tool axis is constant during an operation, always Z. 2. The tool moves simultaneously in all 3 axes to mill 3D surfaces.
5-axis milling 1. The tool axis is NOT constant along Z, keeps changing. 2. The tool moves simultaneously in 3 linear axes and 2 rotary axes to mill surfaces.

Author

Dasarathi G V

cadem
Dasarathi has extensive experience in CNC programming, tooling, and managing shop floors. His expertise extends to the architecture, testing, and support of CAD/CAM, DNC, and Industry 4.0 systems.
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