5-Axis CNC Machining of an Aluminum Impeller (GROB, One Setup)

Watch a close-up of 5-axis CNC machining on a GROB machining center, cutting a complex aluminum impeller. A dual rotary table rotates and tilts the workpiece a full 360°, so all of the curved blade surfaces are milled in a single setup — the kind of high-end precision machining used for turbine and aerospace parts.

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What you are watching: 5-axis impeller machining

An impeller is a rotating component with curved vanes that moves fluid or gas — used in pumps, compressors, turbochargers, and turbine engines. Its twisted, overlapping blades are a classic case for 5-axis machining: the tool has to reach deep between blades at constantly changing angles. On a GROB machine, a dual rotary table tilts and rotates the impeller so the cutter stays in the ideal orientation, machining the full blade geometry in one setup.

• ✅ Dual rotary table — independent tilt and rotation of the workpiece
• ✅ 360° rotating and tilting — full access to every blade surface
• ✅ One-setup machining of complex impeller surfaces — better accuracy, no re-fixturing

Why 5-axis machining matters

Machining a part like this in a single setup removes the stack-up error you get from re-clamping, holds tighter tolerances on the blade profiles, and reaches geometry that 3-axis machines simply cannot. That is why 5-axis CNC machining is the go-to for impellers, turbine blades, and other complex aerospace and energy components. Learn more about our CNC machining services and CNC milling, or read our guide to 5-axis CNC machining.

• Machine: GROB 5-axis machining center with dual rotary table (simultaneous 5-axis)
• Part: aluminum impeller with complex curved blade surfaces
• Materials: aluminum (6061, 7075), stainless steel, titanium, and more — see CNC aluminum machining
• Tolerances: down to ±0.01 mm on critical features
• Applications: aerospace, turbines, turbochargers, pumps, compressors
• Volumes: single prototype to low-volume production

Get your 5-axis parts machined

Have an impeller, turbine, or other complex part that needs multi-axis machining? Upload your CAD file on our Request a Quote page and our engineers will return a DFM review and price — with global shipping from prototype to production.