In 2026 , What 5-axis Machining Center to Choose for Sub Frame Machining?

With the rapid rise of the new energy vehicle industry, the Sub Frame, as a core load-bearing component connecting the vehicle body and the power system, directly determines the handling performance, safety and lightweight level of the whole vehicle. Its machining precision, efficiency and stability have become the core demands of new energy vehicle enterprises and parts manufacturers. As a key part of the chassis system, the Sub Frame features a complex structure and requires multi-surface machining, and is mostly made of Die Casting Aluminum, which imposes stringent requirements on the rigidity, precision control and adaptability of machining equipment. So, what 5-axis machining center should be chosen for Sub Frame machining? The answer lies in the 5-axis Horizontal Swiveling Machining Center of Series A from CATO Precision Machining (Guangdong) Co., LTD. Custom-built for high-precision and complex parts such as the Sub Frame, it provides a one-stop high-efficiency and high-precision machining solution, perfectly meeting the machining needs of the new energy vehicle industry.

CATO has been deeply engaged in the high-end CNC equipment field for many years. As a national high-tech enterprise focusing on the R&D, manufacturing, sales and service of high-end CNC equipment, CATO has created the 5-axis Horizontal Swiveling Machining Center of Series A with profound technical accumulation. Among them, the Model A13 specifically addresses the pain points of Sub Frame machining. It fully adapts to the machining requirements of Die Casting Aluminum Sub Frames in terms of core technology, structural design and flexible configuration, and has become the preferred equipment for Sub Frame machining in the industry.

I. Supported by Core Technologies, Consolidating the Dual Defenses of Precision and Efficiency for Sub Frame Machining

The core pain point of Sub Frame machining is the balance between "high precision" and "high efficiency". In particular, the cutting characteristics of Die Casting Aluminum put forward higher requirements for the drive technology and rigidity of the equipment. CATO A13 is equipped with all-electric direct drive technology, which fundamentally solves the precision loss and efficiency bottleneck of traditional machining equipment, and provides stable and reliable technical support for Sub Frame machining.

The X/Y/Z axes of the A13 adopt high-performance Direct Drive Linear Motor technology, combined with a high-precision linear scale feedback system. It completely abandons the traditional mechanical transmission structure to achieve precise control without mechanical transmission and backlash. At the same time, it has the advantages of high acceleration/deceleration and fast response speed, which can quickly adapt to the multi-process and multi-feature machining requirements of the Sub Frame and maintain a permanent high-precision machining standard. In addition, it operates with low noise and low vibration, and is easy to maintain in the later stage, greatly reducing the equipment operation and maintenance costs.

Meanwhile, the equipment is equipped with High-Rigidity Roller Type Guideway and matched with High-precision Linear Encoder And Angle Encoder, which double guarantee the high rigidity and high precision of Sub Frame machining. It effectively avoids dimensional deviations caused by vibration and deformation during machining, ensures that the tolerance control of key parts such as the suspension connection points of the Sub Frame complies with industry standards, and helps improve the assembly precision and safety of the whole vehicle.

II. Self-developed Precision 5-axis Cradle, Adapting to Complex Machining Scenarios of the Sub Frame

The Sub Frame has a complex structure, mostly with irregular curved surfaces and polyhedral structures, requiring multi-surface machining, which places extremely high demands on the positioning precision and angular adjustment flexibility of the equipment. The CATO A13 is equipped with a self-developed precision 5-axis cradle, and the A/B axes are fitted with a self-developed cradle worktable adopting Direct Drive Torque Motor technology. It also features no mechanical transmission, no backlash and no wear, which can maintain permanent high precision and operate with low noise during high acceleration/deceleration movement, perfectly adapting to the 5-axis simultaneous machining requirements of complex curved surfaces of the Sub Frame.

The worktable can be optionally equipped with A axis, A+B axis and B axis according to machining needs. Among them, the A-axis turntable is designed with an excellent chip removal function, which can prevent chip accumulation on the fixture and workpiece, fundamentally solving the problem of workpiece damage caused by chip accumulation and providing a reliable guarantee for the automated mass production of Sub Frames. The A+B axis is standard across the entire series, enabling 5-axis simultaneous machining to meet the machining requirements of Sub Frames with complex structures. The optional B axis can further improve the flexibility of workpiece posture transformation, adapting to the machining of various special-shaped Sub Frames.

Combined with a high-precision encoder, the cradle worktable achieves precise positioning and dynamic control during the machining process, and can flexibly adjust the workpiece machining posture to easily meet the requirements of front and back machining and multi-surface machining of the Sub Frame. It can complete the full machining of multiple surfaces of the Sub Frame with one-time clamping, greatly reducing the number of clamping times and avoiding workpiece errors caused by multiple clamping. At the same time, it improves machining efficiency and shortens the production cycle, adapting to the short-cycle and high-efficiency production needs of the new energy vehicle industry.

III. Flexible Configuration + Scientific Structure, Adapting to Different Sub Frame Machining Requirements

Sub Frames of different vehicle models vary in size and structure, and their machining needs are also different. The CATO A13 adopts a flexible configuration scheme and scientific structural design, which can accurately adapt to the machining requirements of various new energy vehicle Sub Frames, balance versatility and customization, and provide customers with more targeted machining solutions.

In terms of configuration, the A13 offers a variety of configuration options for worktables and system controllers: the system controllers can be selected from Siemens Sinumerik One (standard), Siemens 828D (optional) and C80 Plus (optional), which can accurately match the operating habits and machining programming needs of different customers. It can easily adapt to both efficient programming of complex parts and intelligent and digital machining control.

In terms of structural design, the A13 adopts a high-rigidity structural design combined with a lightweight design concept. The rapid traverse speed of the three axes can reach 90m/min, and the acceleration can reach 1G. The moving parts are light, which can achieve the dual benefits of high response and high precision. The bed adopts a T-shaped structural design and the X-axis adopts a stepped guide rail design, which further enhances the equipment rigidity and reduces thermal displacement. It ensures that the precision of the equipment is not easily affected by the ambient temperature during long-term continuous machining, maintaining a stable machining standard and adapting to the mass precision machining scenarios of Sub Frames.

IV. Precisely Adapting to Sub Frame Machining, One-stop Service Escorting Production

The CATO A13 is custom-built for the machining of new energy vehicle parts. In addition to perfectly adapting to Sub Frame machining, it can also be widely used in the machining of various Die Casting Aluminum parts of new energy vehicles such as rear floor, CD pillar, longitudinal beam, shock tower, front compartment, steering column, H-arm, torque box, motor housing and left and right longitudinal beams, realizing multi-purpose of one machine, improving equipment utilization rate and reducing customers' equipment investment costs.

In terms of equipment parameters, the XYZ travel of the A13 is 1300×800×650 mm. The spindle is standard with Model A63 and optional with Model A100. Among them, the maximum speed of the A63 spindle can reach 18000rpm, and the maximum speed of the A100 spindle can reach 12000rpm. The equipment can precisely cut every machining detail of the Sub Frame, efficiently meet the high-precision machining requirements, perfectly adapt to the machining characteristics of the Die Casting Aluminum Sub Frame, and effectively improve the surface quality and machining consistency of the workpiece.

As a high-end equipment manufacturer deeply engaged in the new energy vehicle field, CATO has made remarkable achievements in the new energy vehicle industry. It not only provides customers with the high-performance A13 5-axis Horizontal Swiveling Machining Center, but also can provide one-stop services from technical processes to automation according to customers' specific machining needs, and customize machining solutions to help customers optimize production processes, improve production efficiency, reduce production costs and achieve a win-win situation for both parties.

Conclusion

The rapid development of the new energy vehicle industry has driven the upgrading of Sub Frame machining towards precision, efficiency and intelligence. Choosing a 5-axis machining center with strong adaptability, stable precision and outstanding efficiency is the key to improving the machining quality of Sub Frames and enhancing market competitiveness. The A13 5-axis Horizontal Swiveling Machining Center of Series A from CATO accurately addresses the pain points of Sub Frame machining with its core direct drive technology, self-developed 5-axis cradle, flexible configuration scheme and scientific structural design, and has become the preferred solution for Sub Frame machining.

Relying on CATO's technical strength and one-stop services, the A13 can provide efficient, precise and stable Sub Frame machining support for new energy vehicle parts manufacturers, helping enterprises seize the development opportunity of the new energy vehicle industry. If you are looking for a high-quality 5-axis machining center for Sub Frame machining, the CATO A13 5-axis Horizontal Swiveling Machining Center will be your reliable partner. Welcome to consult for more equipment details and join hands to win the new era of precision manufacturing of new energy vehicles.

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