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CNC router technology provider Thermwood Corp. (Dale, Ind., U.S.) releases the Thermwood MAX5, a large-scale five-axis CNC machine engineered for 3D large to extremely large applications — from molds to complex structural elements — in aerospace, marine, automotive and construction. The MAX5 offers versatility for composites manufacturers as well, well suited to machining CFRP (LSAM-printed parts), fiberglass, foams, tooling boards, plywood, medium-density fiberboards, honeycomb structures (aluminum and Nomex) and nonferrous metals like aluminum.

The MAX5 offers a 9' vertical Z-axis clearance, widths of either 10' or 15' and lengths up to 60', accommodating large-scale components in a single setup, thus reducing the need for repositioning and ensuring precision across extensive workpieces. As composite materials can be challenging to machine due to their varying densities and potential for deflection, the system features engineered steel vertical support columns and stress-relieved gantry weldments, providing a rigid structure that minimizes deflection. This design ensures consistent precision, even during complex multi-axis operations.

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It is also equipped with a standard six-position automatic too changer, expandable up to 18 positions, for rapid and efficient tool swaps. This capability minimizes downtime — especially when dealing with diverse composite materials that require different tooling needs.

Many composite applications — especially in aerospace, marine and tooling — require complex multi-surface machining with tight tolerances and undercut features, which Thermwood says traditional three-axis or limited five-axis systems struggle to execute. MAX5’s full five-axis configuration and high-clearance gantry design excels at complex contouring, trimming and undercut machining. 

Additional highlights include:

• A 17-horsepower liquid-cooled spindle
• High-tolerance automatic tool length and diameter measurement
• Automatic lubrication system for reduced maintenance
• Thermwood’s SuperControl with Smart Router Technology
• Indexing speeds up to 2,100 ipm
• Optional floating aluminum worktable with drilled and tapped surface.

The MAX5 is built to perform in extreme machining environments. Using 3D modeling and FEA, it is structurally optimized to maintain peak performance even during complex, high-stress, multi-axis operations.

Professional machine installation, training and free lifetime support are available to customers.