{"id":141527,"date":"2026-03-09T16:53:28","date_gmt":"2026-03-09T15:53:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/stories\/the-practical-engineer-5-axis-cnc\/"},"modified":"2026-03-09T17:05:29","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T16:05:29","slug":"the-practical-engineer-5-axis-cnc","status":"publish","type":"stories","link":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-eu\/stories\/the-practical-engineer-5-axis-cnc\/","title":{"rendered":"From Desktop Dreams to 400kg of Steel and Concrete: Building a High-Rigidity 5-Axis CNC"},"content":{"rendered":"<div role=\"navigation\" aria-label=\"Table of Contents\" class=\"simpletoc wp-block-simpletoc-toc\"><h2 class=\"simpletoc-title\">Table of Contents<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"simpletoc-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#h-the-evolution-when-desktop-isn-t-enough\">The Evolution: When &#8220;Desktop&#8221; Isn&#8217;t Enough<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#engineering-strategy-milled-components-vs-welding\">Engineering Strategy: Milled Components vs. Welding<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#the-x-y-and-z-axes-prioritising-rigidity\">The X, Y, and Z Axes: Prioritising Rigidity<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#lessons-from-the-shop-floor\">Lessons from the Shop Floor<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#h-looking-ahead\">Looking Ahead<\/a>\n<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-evolution-when-desktop-isn-t-enough\"><strong>The Evolution: When &#8220;Desktop&#8221; Isn&#8217;t Enough<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>I began with a modest goal: a compact, desktop-sized machine capable of machining aluminum. However, as I progressed with the design in Fusion 360, the engineering reality of machining steel became clear to me\u2014stability requires mass.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What started as a light concept evolved into a 400kg powerhouse. The foundation of the machine is now a closed structure featuring:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>S355 Structural Steel:<\/strong> Chosen for its reliability and strength.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>40mm Thick Plates:<\/strong> To ensure maximum stiffness under multi-axis cutting forces.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>UHPC (Ultra-High Performance Concrete) Filling:<\/strong> Added to the steel frame to increase total mass and provide critical structural damping.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n    <section class=\"article-slider-block\">\r\n        <div class=\"article-content-wrapper\">\r\n            <!-- Swiper -->\r\n            <div class=\"swiper mySwiper2 article-slider-display\">\r\n                <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\r\n                                                <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\r\n                                <div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\">\r\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\"  src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ep7-De-Base.jpeg\" alt=\"Scaling up to 40mm thick S355 steel plates to ensure the machine can realistically handle the forces of machining steel\"\r\n                                    >\r\n                                    <a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ep7-De-Base.jpeg\" data-fancybox=\"gallery\" data-caption=\"Scaling up to 40mm thick S355 steel plates to ensure the machine can realistically handle the forces of machining steel.\" aria-label=\"Open full image\">\r\n                                        <img src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ep7-De-Base.jpeg\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Scaling up to 40mm thick S355 steel plates to ensure the machine can realistically handle the forces of machining steel\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\">\r\n                                        <svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n                                            <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"><\/path>\r\n                                        <\/svg>\r\n                                    <\/a>\r\n                                <\/div>\r\n                                <div class=\"article-slider-text\">\r\n                                    <p>Scaling up to 40mm thick S355 steel plates to ensure the machine can realistically handle the forces of machining steel.<\/p>\n                                <\/div>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n                            \r\n                                                        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\r\n                                <div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\">\r\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\"  src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ep7-De-Base-3.jpeg\" alt=\"By using precision-milled plates instead of a welded structure, the frame provides a controlled starting point to avoid unintentional axis preloading.\"\r\n                                    >\r\n                                    <a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ep7-De-Base-3.jpeg\" data-fancybox=\"gallery\" data-caption=\"By using precision-milled plates instead of a welded structure, the frame provides a controlled starting point to avoid unintentional axis preloading.\" aria-label=\"Open full image\">\r\n                                        <img src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ep7-De-Base-3.jpeg\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"By using precision-milled plates instead of a welded structure, the frame provides a controlled starting point to avoid unintentional axis preloading.\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\">\r\n                                        <svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n                                            <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"><\/path>\r\n                                        <\/svg>\r\n                                    <\/a>\r\n                                <\/div>\r\n                                <div class=\"article-slider-text\">\r\n                                    <p>By using precision-milled plates instead of a welded structure, the frame provides a controlled starting point to avoid unintentional axis preloading.<\/p>\n                                <\/div>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n                            \r\n                                            <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n            <div thumbsSlider=\"\" class=\"swiper mySwiper article-slider-list\">\r\n                <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\r\n                                            <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\r\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ep7-De-Base.jpeg\" alt=\"Scaling up to 40mm thick S355 steel plates to ensure the machine can realistically handle the forces of machining steel\">\r\n                        <\/div>\r\n                                                <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\r\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ep7-De-Base-3.jpeg\" alt=\"By using precision-milled plates instead of a welded structure, the frame provides a controlled starting point to avoid unintentional axis preloading.\">\r\n                        <\/div>\r\n                                        <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/section>\r\n    \n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"engineering-strategy-milled-components-vs-welding\"><strong>Engineering Strategy: Milled Components vs. Welding<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>I knew that thermal distortion caused by welding is a common challenge in large steel frames. To maintain my target command resolution of 0.01 mm, I opted for a more controlled approach: I built the structure from precision-milled steel plates.<\/p>\n\n\n    <aside class=\"article-content-aside\">\r\n        <div class=\"aside-text\"><p>How I Built a Booster Backpack Using Metal 3D Printing and Generative Design<\/p>\n<\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-eu\/stories\/the-practical-engineer-booster-backpack\/\" class=\"aside-image sidebar__aside-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/practical-engineer-booster-backpack.jpeg\" alt=\"\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-eu\/stories\/the-practical-engineer-booster-backpack\/\" class=\"aside-link\"><\/a>    <\/aside>\r\n    \n\n\n<p>By machining all critical surfaces myself\u2014including linear rail mounting faces and reference planes\u2014I reduced the &#8220;unknowns&#8221; often found in welded assemblies. This pragmatic choice gave me a predictable starting point, ensuring my rails remain parallel and preventing my axes from preloading unintentionally.<\/p>\n\n\n    <section class=\"article-slider-block\">\r\n        <div class=\"article-content-wrapper\">\r\n            <!-- Swiper -->\r\n            <div class=\"swiper mySwiper2 article-slider-display\">\r\n                <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\r\n                                                <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\r\n                                <div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\">\r\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\"  src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ep7-De-Base-4.jpeg\" alt=\"Pouring the UHPC concrete into the steel frame to double the mass and increase structural damping.\n\"\r\n                                    >\r\n                                    <a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ep7-De-Base-4.jpeg\" data-fancybox=\"gallery\" data-caption=\"Pouring the UHPC concrete into the steel frame to double the mass and increase structural damping.\" aria-label=\"Open full image\">\r\n                                        <img src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ep7-De-Base-4.jpeg\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Pouring the UHPC concrete into the steel frame to double the mass and increase structural damping.\n\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\">\r\n                                        <svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n                                            <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"><\/path>\r\n                                        <\/svg>\r\n                                    <\/a>\r\n                                <\/div>\r\n                                <div class=\"article-slider-text\">\r\n                                    <p>Pouring the UHPC concrete into the steel frame to double the mass and increase structural damping.<\/p>\n                                <\/div>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n                            \r\n                                                        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\r\n                                <div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\">\r\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\"  src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ep7-De-Base-5.jpeg\" alt=\"A completed hybrid structure of steel and concrete, chosen for their compatible thermal expansion coefficients.\"\r\n                                    >\r\n                                    <a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ep7-De-Base-5.jpeg\" data-fancybox=\"gallery\" data-caption=\"A completed hybrid structure of steel and concrete, chosen for their compatible thermal expansion coefficients.\" aria-label=\"Open full image\">\r\n                                        <img src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ep7-De-Base-5.jpeg\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"A completed hybrid structure of steel and concrete, chosen for their compatible thermal expansion coefficients.\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\">\r\n                                        <svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n                                            <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"><\/path>\r\n                                        <\/svg>\r\n                                    <\/a>\r\n                                <\/div>\r\n                                <div class=\"article-slider-text\">\r\n                                    <p>A completed hybrid structure of steel and concrete, chosen for their compatible thermal expansion coefficients.<\/p>\n                                <\/div>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n                            \r\n                                            <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n            <div thumbsSlider=\"\" class=\"swiper mySwiper article-slider-list\">\r\n                <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\r\n                                            <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\r\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ep7-De-Base-4.jpeg\" alt=\"Pouring the UHPC concrete into the steel frame to double the mass and increase structural damping.\n\">\r\n                        <\/div>\r\n                                                <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\r\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ep7-De-Base-5.jpeg\" alt=\"A completed hybrid structure of steel and concrete, chosen for their compatible thermal expansion coefficients.\">\r\n                        <\/div>\r\n                                        <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/section>\r\n    \n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-x-y-and-z-axes-prioritising-rigidity\"><strong>The X, Y, and Z Axes: Prioritising Rigidity<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>While many desktop machines focus on reducing moving mass to increase speed, I took the opposite philosophy. I dimensioned my carriage plates and motor mounts conservatively rather than aggressively optimizing them for weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Performance Trade-off:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Target Rapids:<\/strong> 10,000 to 15,000 mm\/min.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Target Accelerations:<\/strong> 1,000 to 2,500 mm\/s\u00b2.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The Logic:<\/strong> &#8220;I would rather have more mass and slightly lower dynamic performance than a lightweight structure that sacrifices stiffness&#8221;.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>By accepting heavier carriages, I increased the machine&#8217;s resistance to the lateral and torsional loads unique to 5-axis machining.<\/p>\n\n\n    <section class=\"article-slider-block\">\r\n        <div class=\"article-content-wrapper\">\r\n            <!-- Swiper -->\r\n            <div class=\"swiper mySwiper2 article-slider-display\">\r\n                <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\r\n                                                <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\r\n                                <div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\">\r\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\"  src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/EP8-De-assen-monteren-3.jpeg\" alt=\"Carriage plates and support structures are dimensioned conservatively to prioritise rigidity over maximum speed.\"\r\n                                    >\r\n                                    <a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/EP8-De-assen-monteren-3.jpeg\" data-fancybox=\"gallery\" data-caption=\"Carriage plates and support structures are dimensioned conservatively to prioritise rigidity over maximum speed.\" aria-label=\"Open full image\">\r\n                                        <img src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/EP8-De-assen-monteren-3.jpeg\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Carriage plates and support structures are dimensioned conservatively to prioritise rigidity over maximum speed.\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\">\r\n                                        <svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n                                            <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"><\/path>\r\n                                        <\/svg>\r\n                                    <\/a>\r\n                                <\/div>\r\n                                <div class=\"article-slider-text\">\r\n                                    <p>Carriage plates and support structures are dimensioned conservatively to prioritise rigidity over maximum speed.<\/p>\n                                <\/div>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n                            \r\n                                                        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\r\n                                <div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\">\r\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\"  src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/EP8-De-assen-monteren-2.jpeg\" alt=\"Careful integration of ball screws and linear rails to achieve a target command resolution of 0.01 mm.\"\r\n                                    >\r\n                                    <a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/EP8-De-assen-monteren-2.jpeg\" data-fancybox=\"gallery\" data-caption=\"Careful integration of ball screws and linear rails to achieve a target command resolution of 0.01 mm.\" aria-label=\"Open full image\">\r\n                                        <img src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/EP8-De-assen-monteren-2.jpeg\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Careful integration of ball screws and linear rails to achieve a target command resolution of 0.01 mm.\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\">\r\n                                        <svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n                                            <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"><\/path>\r\n                                        <\/svg>\r\n                                    <\/a>\r\n                                <\/div>\r\n                                <div class=\"article-slider-text\">\r\n                                    <p>Careful integration of ball screws and linear rails to achieve a target command resolution of 0.01 mm.<\/p>\n                                <\/div>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n                            \r\n                                            <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n            <div thumbsSlider=\"\" class=\"swiper mySwiper article-slider-list\">\r\n                <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\r\n                                            <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\r\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/EP8-De-assen-monteren-3.jpeg\" alt=\"Carriage plates and support structures are dimensioned conservatively to prioritise rigidity over maximum speed.\">\r\n                        <\/div>\r\n                                                <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\r\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/EP8-De-assen-monteren-2.jpeg\" alt=\"Careful integration of ball screws and linear rails to achieve a target command resolution of 0.01 mm.\">\r\n                        <\/div>\r\n                                        <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/section>\r\n    \n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"lessons-from-the-shop-floor\"><strong>Lessons from the Shop Floor<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>The transition to heavy-scale engineering provided several key takeaways for any developer looking to source or build custom machinery:<\/p>\n\n\n    <aside class=\"article-content-aside\">\r\n        <div class=\"aside-text\"><p>Exploring Magnetic Couplings: No Gears, No Belts, Just Magnets<\/p>\n<\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-eu\/stories\/practical-engineer-exploring-magnetic-couplings\/\" class=\"aside-image sidebar__aside-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/practical-engineer-exploring-magnetic-couples-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Practical Engineer, Exploring Magnetic Couplings\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-eu\/stories\/practical-engineer-exploring-magnetic-couplings\/\" class=\"aside-link\"><\/a>    <\/aside>\r\n    \n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Tolerance Stack-up:<\/strong> Machining mounting surfaces directly into thick plates limits errors introduced by multiple component interfaces.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Thermal Compatibility:<\/strong> Combining steel and UHPC is effective because their thermal expansion coefficients are closely matched, reducing internal stress during temperature shifts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Preparation is Key:<\/strong> Small oversights, such as failing to seal threaded holes before a concrete pour, can lead to significant cleanup later.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<div id=\"_fQJzOFqbAU-69e5433af2f44\" data-video-id=\"_fQJzOFqbAU\" class=\"ma-gdpr-youtube-wrapper\" style=\"width:100%;height:56.25%;padding-top:56.25%;\" data-new-window=\"\" data-yt-parameters=\"WyJtYXgtd2lkdGg9XHUyMDFjNzAwcHhcIiJd\"><picture class=\"ma-gdpr-youtube-thumbnail\"><source media=\"(min-width:640px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/ma-gdpr-youtube-thumbnails\/_fQJzOFqbAU\/_fQJzOFqbAU_hq720.webp\"><source media=\"(min-width:640px)\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" srcset=\"\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/ma-gdpr-youtube-thumbnails\/_fQJzOFqbAU\/_fQJzOFqbAU_hq720.jpg\"><source media=\"(min-width:320px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/ma-gdpr-youtube-thumbnails\/_fQJzOFqbAU\/_fQJzOFqbAU_sddefault.webp\"><source media=\"(min-width:320px)\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" srcset=\"\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/ma-gdpr-youtube-thumbnails\/_fQJzOFqbAU\/_fQJzOFqbAU_sddefault.jpg\"><source media=\"(min-width:240px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/ma-gdpr-youtube-thumbnails\/_fQJzOFqbAU\/_fQJzOFqbAU_hqdefault.webp\"><source media=\"(min-width:240px)\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" srcset=\"\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/ma-gdpr-youtube-thumbnails\/_fQJzOFqbAU\/_fQJzOFqbAU_hqdefault.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/ma-gdpr-youtube-thumbnails\/_fQJzOFqbAU\/_fQJzOFqbAU_mqdefault.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><\/picture><svg class=\"ma-gdpr-youtube-button\"><use xlink:href=\"#ma-gdpr-youtube-play-button\"><\/use><\/svg><div class=\"ma-gdpr-youtube-notice\" style=\"font-size:.7em;\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-looking-ahead\"><strong>Looking Ahead<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>With my 400kg frame cured and the robust axis components milled, I now have a &#8220;mechanically sound platform&#8221;. I am ready for the next phase: tuning the servos and reality-checking my theoretical speeds against real-world vibrations and resonance.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For me, this project isn&#8217;t just about chasing peak numbers\u2014it\u2019s about building a foundation where my theoretical numbers finally meet practical limits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":50,"featured_media":141511,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","c-tag-stories":[2046,2051],"global-tag":[730],"class_list":["post-141527","stories","type-stories","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","c-tag-stories-machine-building-en-eu","c-tag-stories-hobby-en-eu","global-tag-cnc-machining-eu"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.7 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Building a High-Rigidity 5-Axis CNC | Xometry Pro<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"As &quot;The Practical Engineer,&quot; 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