Compared with the common 3-axis (x, y, z three degrees of freedom) machining, 5-axis machining means that when machining parts with complex geometric shapes, the machining tools need to be able to be positioned and connected in five degrees of freedom.

The machine tools used in 5-axis machining are often called 5-axis machine tools or 5-axis machining centers. 5-axis machining is often used in the aerospace field to process body parts, turbine parts and impellers with free-form surfaces. The 5-axis machine tool can process different sides of the workpiece without changing the position of the workpiece on the machine tool, which can greatly improve the processing efficiency of prismatic parts.

For decades, 5-axis CNC machining technology has been widely regarded as a means of machining continuous, smooth, complex surfaces. Once encountering unsolvable problems in the design and manufacture of complex curved surfaces, it will turn to 5-axis machining technology for help.

5-axis simultaneous numerical control is a technology with great difficulty and wide application range in numerical control technology. It integrates computer control, high-performance servo drive and precision machining technology, and is applied to efficient, precise and automatic machining of complex curved surfaces.

Internationally, the 5-axis simultaneous numerical control technology is regarded as a symbol of the automation technology level of a country's production equipment. Due to its special status and technical complexity, it has an important impact on aviation, aerospace, and military industries.