Wexmar provides 3-axis CNC machining services for plates, blocks, brackets, covers, and housings whose features are reached from one or two primary directions. We run this work on Mazak horizontal machining centers with pallet changers, which gives 3-axis parts the rigidity, chip control, and pallet efficiency of a horizontal. For purchasing and engineering teams searching for a 3-axis machine shop near me in New York or the Northeast, our shop is in Canastota, just east of Syracuse, and ships nationwide.
What 3-axis machining is
3-axis machining moves the cutter along three linear axes, X, Y, and Z, relative to a fixed part. It is the most common milling process and covers face milling, pocketing, slotting, profiling, drilling, tapping, and boring. When a part needs features on more than one side, a 3-axis process uses additional setups or indexed positions. Because the motion is simple, 3-axis programs are quick to prove out, which keeps cost down on prototypes and straightforward production parts.
When 3-axis machining is the right choice
- Flat plates, spacers, and mounting blocks with hole patterns from one face
- Brackets and covers with pockets and profiles machined from one or two sides
- Fixture plates, tooling plates, and simple manifolds
- Prototype parts where simple fixturing and quick programming matter most
- Parts where a 4-axis process would add cost without improving the result
Design tips that lower 3-axis cost
- Use internal corner radii slightly larger than a standard end mill radius so cutters do not have to slow down in corners
- Keep pocket depth to roughly four times the tool diameter or less where the design allows
- Put as many features as possible on the same face or on opposite faces
- Apply tight tolerances only to functional features and use general tolerances elsewhere
Wexmar machines for 3-axis work
We run 3-axis milling on six Mazak horizontal machining centers: two FH4800s, a PFH4800, a Nexus 4000-II, and two Nexus 5000-II machines. Each has a pallet changer, so one part is loaded while another is cut. Running 3-axis work on a horizontal also means the pallet can index to a second face without unclamping, which often turns a two-setup vertical job into a single setup. Specifications for each machine are on our machine list. When a part needs more faces or angled features, our 4-axis machining process is the next step.
Typical tolerances and finishes
| Feature | Typical standard | Typical tight (by review) |
|---|---|---|
| Linear dimensions | ±0.005 in | ±0.001 in |
| Hole true position | 0.005 in | 0.001 in |
| Pocket depth | ±0.005 in | ±0.001 in |
| Flatness | 0.002 in | 0.0005 in with surface grinding |
| Surface finish | 63 Ra | 32 Ra |
These are typical ranges. Plates that need tight flatness or parallelism can move to our surface grinding operation after milling.
Materials for 3-axis CNC milling
Common 3-axis materials at Wexmar include 6061 and 7075 aluminum, 1018 and 4140 steel, 303, 304, 316, and 17-4 PH stainless, brass, bronze, copper, and engineered plastics. We also mill titanium, Nitronic 50, and nickel alloys such as Inconel, Monel, and Hastelloy when the application calls for them.
When a part needs more than 3 axes
If features sit on several faces or at angles, we quote the part on a 4-axis horizontal instead. Wexmar does not offer 5-axis machining. Many parts buyers assume need 5-axis can be produced on a 4-axis horizontal with tombstone fixturing. If your part requires true simultaneous 5-axis contouring, ask us first and we will tell you directly whether it fits our equipment.
Quantity fit
3-axis machining fits one-piece prototypes, short runs, and ongoing production. Pallet changers reduce idle time on repeat work, and multi-part fixtures raise output per cycle on larger lots. Second-shift capacity is available for production releases.
Inspection deliverables
Parts are checked in process and verified on Brown & Sharpe CMMs when the print calls for datum-referenced position or profile. We provide CMM reports, AS9102-format first article inspection, material certifications, and heat-lot traceability under an ISO 9001:2015-aligned quality system.
Getting a quote
Send your drawing and model with material, quantity, and finish callouts. You can upload a drawing for an instant estimate, and a human estimator confirms every quote before release. Call (315) 400-2654 or email ron@backwell.com, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern.