5-Axis CNC Routing Services for Precision Patterns and Custom Tooling

Arrowhead Plastic Engineering offers advanced 5-axis CNC routing services to support rapid, high-precision manufacturing across a wide range of industries. With seven in-house 5-axis CNC routers and one 3-axis CNC, all featuring 60″ x 120″ beds, Arrowhead delivers unmatched speed and versatility for cutting and trimming. These machines are capable of processing hardwoods, high- and low-density tooling boards, foam blocks, and other advanced materials—giving customers expanded options for tooling and part finishing.

A dedicated DMS 5-axis CNC router with a 60″ x 120″ x 48″ cutting envelope allows Arrowhead to meet demanding pattern tolerances and execute complex machining operations. Controlled by the latest Fagor system, this machine supports smoother motion, tighter specs, and superior quality. These capabilities make Arrowhead a go-to provider for precise pattern cutting, mold trimming, and complex surface machining in fiberglass and thermoformed plastic manufacturing..

“Arrowhead’s continued financial commitment to advanced technology gives our skilled team the resources they need to rapidly tool up new projects for our customers at the lowest possible cost,” said Tom Kishel, Arrowhead’s CEO.

The company’s 5-axis CNC routing services are significantly strengthened by a suite of integrated inspection tools that enhance quality control and precision. One of the most valuable assets is the Renishaw Probe system, which allows for detailed in-process verification of patterns and production parts while still on the machine. This reduces the need for secondary inspection steps and helps ensure that critical features and tolerances are maintained throughout the machining cycle. The probe can verify alignment, surface profiles, and dimensional accuracy—especially important for parts with complex geometries or tight specifications. This built-in metrology gives Arrowhead the ability to deliver higher consistency across repeat runs while reducing cycle times and rework.

In addition to on-machine probing, Arrowhead offers advanced off-site inspection capabilities through a portable FARO Arm paired with a Laser Scanning Probe. This system allows technicians to measure large and complex parts up to 12 feet in length without the need for reindexing, ensuring speed and accuracy in real-world environments. The FARO system supports high-resolution dimensional verification, comparative analysis against CAD files, and full 3D scanning for surfaces with curvature or irregular contours. These capabilities make it ideal not only for inspection but also for reverse engineering, surface reconstruction, and digital model refinement—adding significant value to Arrowhead’s comprehensive 5-axis CNC routing services.

“Not only can we convert your 3D CAD model into a usable real world pattern made from various type of materials, we can give insight into how to change your design in a way that will allow for easier manufacturability, better material distribution, and a part that will be less prone to surface cracking, stress whitening, sheet tearing, and resin buildup,” said Mark Kishel, Sales Engineering Manager.

With a legacy in custom composite and thermoformed plastic tooling dating back to 1972—and with its first 5-axis CNC acquired in 1992—Arrowhead now offers its pattern-making and CNC services as a standalone capability. For more information about our 5-axis CNC routing services, contact Mark Kishel at (765) 396-4443.