The Kimla 5D 5 Axis CNC Router is an advanced industrial machining centre engineered for precision three-dimensional machining, mould making and complex component processing. Combining simultaneous 5-axis control with high-performance machining technology and robust gantry construction, the Kimla 5D offers exceptional versatility when working with large, intricate components and contoured surfaces.
Manufactured in Europe by Kimla, the 5D is particularly suited to industries including aerospace, automotive, marine, composite manufacturing, pattern making and thermoforming. Its ability to machine complex shapes from multiple angles makes it an ideal solution for producing moulds, patterns, prototypes and finished components from materials including wood, tooling board, plastics, foam, composites and suitable non-ferrous metals.
Simultaneous 5 Axis Machining
Unlike conventional 3-axis CNC routers, the Kimla 5D incorporates two additional rotational axes, allowing the machining spindle to tilt and rotate relative to the workpiece.
The machine's sophisticated control system enables simultaneous interpolation across all five axes, providing smooth, coordinated movement when machining complex three-dimensional geometries.
This allows the cutting tool to maintain an appropriate orientation to the surface being machined, improving accessibility and enabling intricate contours, undercuts and angled features to be produced without repeatedly repositioning the component.
The rotational head offers an A-axis movement of up to ±130 degrees and a C-axis movement of up to ±213 degrees, providing extensive flexibility for demanding machining operations.
Precision Engineering and Advanced Motion Control
The Kimla 5D combines substantial industrial construction with advanced digital motion control technology to deliver accurate, repeatable machining performance.
Its 5-axis machining head incorporates precision harmonic gear drives designed to minimise backlash while maintaining high rigidity and responsive movement. This is particularly important when machining complex surfaces where small changes in tool orientation can affect the finished component.
Digital AC servo drives provide precise control of machine movement, while Kimla's advanced CNC control system continuously coordinates the linear and rotary axes to maintain smooth toolpaths.
The control system also compensates for the position of the cutting tool during simultaneous 5-axis movement, enabling efficient machining across complex three-dimensional surfaces.
Large Format Machining Capability
The Kimla 5D is available in an extensive range of working areas, making it suitable for everything from smaller precision components to exceptionally large industrial moulds and patterns.
Working widths can extend up to 5000mm, with machine lengths available up to 24000mm depending on the required configuration. Z-axis travels from 700mm to 2000mm accommodate components with substantial height and complex three-dimensional geometry.
This flexibility makes the 5D particularly valuable for manufacturers producing large composite moulds, automotive tooling, marine components and other oversized workpieces that cannot be accommodated on conventional CNC machining centres.
Machine dimensions, spindle specifications and workholding arrangements can be tailored to suit individual manufacturing requirements.
Mould Making, Prototyping and Composite Machining
One of the principal applications of the Kimla 5D is the machining of moulds, plugs, patterns and tooling used in composite manufacturing and thermoforming.
The machine can produce complex three-dimensional forms from tooling board, foam, wood, plastics and other suitable materials, enabling manufacturers to create accurate patterns for casting, laminating and forming processes.
Beyond mould production, the Kimla 5D is also highly effective for precision trimming and finishing of thermoformed and composite components.
Its articulated cutting head can follow complex edges and surfaces, trimming excess material, machining openings and creating accurately positioned features on formed components.
This versatility allows manufacturers to undertake both initial tooling production and subsequent component finishing using 5-axis CNC technology.
High-Performance Spindles and Automatic Tool Changing
The Kimla 5D can be equipped with a wide range of high-frequency machining spindles to suit different materials and cutting requirements.
Available configurations include spindles operating at 18,000, 24,000 and up to 50,000rpm, with power ratings selected according to the intended application.
Automatic tool changing systems can be specified with linear or rotary tool magazines, allowing multiple machining operations to be completed within a single programme.
Automatic tool length measurement and compensation further simplify machine setup, supporting consistent machining accuracy following tool changes.
A choice of T-slot, vacuum and hybrid worktables provides flexible workholding arrangements for components of different shapes and sizes.
Advanced Programming and Component Scanning
The Kimla 5D incorporates an advanced CNC control system capable of coordinating all five axes simultaneously, providing the flexibility required for complex surface machining and accurate component finishing.
An optional touch scanning system allows existing components and surfaces to be measured and referenced directly on the machine.
This is particularly useful when trimming thermoformed or laminated components, where the finished shape may differ slightly from the original CAD model.
By referencing the actual workpiece geometry, operators can undertake certain finishing operations without requiring extensive additional CAD/CAM programming.
The scanning system also provides opportunities for reverse engineering, component inspection and the digitisation of existing three-dimensional forms.
Industrial Engineering with UK Support
The Kimla 5D combines advanced 5-axis machining technology with the substantial construction and precision engineering required for demanding industrial applications.
Its extensive configuration possibilities allow the machine to be specified for individual production requirements, whether machining large composite moulds, producing complex patterns or trimming finished three-dimensional components.
As Kimla's exclusive UK and Ireland distributor, Daltons provides specialist advice on machine specification, installation, commissioning, operator training and ongoing technical support.
Combining simultaneous 5-axis machining, large-format capability and advanced CNC control, the Kimla 5D provides a versatile manufacturing solution for businesses requiring precision machining of complex three-dimensional components.
