4th axis machining replaces the lathe or turning work that is necessary to produce a 3D design object.

The principal feature of a 4th axis is that it allows 360 degree rotation of the material being machined. The design object can be eccentric in its cross section; this would of course be outside the capability of traditional lathes but even in the case of a concentrically machined model, an CNC 4th axis can make turning requirements redundant.

Imagine a standard x, y and z machine axis layout, which produces 3D models, then add an additional rotational axis fixed to the machine bed which holds the material billet - this is the configuration of a 4-axis CNC machine.

The ability to create a design model in one machining process (instead of a number of operations on a variety of machines) is both operationally advantageous and cost effective

Industrial 4-axis applications are endless, and have established this machining development as a powerful technical advance in design and engineering to reduce 'time to market'.