CMS Ares 5-Axis CNC Machining Center
Key Specifications
Working Area (X×Y×Z)
Spindle Power
Max Spindle Speed
Feed Rate
Positioning Accuracy
Control System
Overview
The CMS Ares is a high-performance 5-axis CNC machining center from CMS S.p.A., the Italian specialist in advanced routing and machining systems for composite, aluminum, and high-value panel materials. The Ares is designed for demanding production environments in aerospace, automotive, marine, and advanced composite fabrication — sectors where complex compound surface machining, tight tolerances, and material integrity are non-negotiable. CMS positions the Ares as a bridge between traditional CNC routing and full machining center capability, combining large working volumes with 5-axis contouring precision.
The Ares operates on a fixed-table, moving-gantry architecture with an electrospindle delivering up to 28 kW (37 HP) at speeds up to 24,000 RPM. The 5-axis CNC head provides ±110° rotation on the C-axis and continuous A-axis tilting, enabling undercuts, compound bevels, and true 5-axis simultaneous machining without repositioning the part. The machine is available with working areas from 4,000 × 2,000 mm up to 12,000 × 4,000 mm for aerospace-scale components such as wing skins, fuselage panels, and large composite structural assemblies.
CMS engineered the Ares frame from high-strength welded steel with FEM-optimized ribbing, achieving the dynamic stiffness required for aggressive material removal in carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), Kevlar, aluminum honeycomb, and foam sandwich structures. An integrated mist/flood coolant and dust extraction system manages chips and composite dust, a critical requirement for CFRP machining to protect both the operator and the spindle. The Ares is compatible with HEIDENHAIN iTNC 530 and Siemens 840D sl controls, both widely used in aerospace subcontracting environments.
The CMS Ares is deployed globally by tier-1 aerospace suppliers, yacht and marine composite fabricators, and motorsport manufacturers. CMS provides application engineering support, post-processor development, and on-site commissioning through its European headquarters and international partner network.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Working Area (X×Y×Z) | 4,000 × 2,000 × 800 mm standard; up to 12,000 × 4,000 × 1,200 mm |
| Spindle Power | Up to 28 kW (37 HP) electrospindle |
| Max Spindle Speed | 24,000 RPM |
| Feed Rate | Up to 40,000 mm/min rapid; up to 20,000 mm/min in cut |
| Positioning Accuracy | ±0.05 mm (±0.002 in) |
| Control System | HEIDENHAIN iTNC 530 or Siemens 840D sl |
| Table Type | Fixed T-slot table with vacuum clamping zones; fixture-compatible |
| Machine Weight | Approx. 15,000–25,000 kg depending on table configuration |
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Full simultaneous 5-axis capability enables complex aerospace composite and aluminum machining without re-fixturing
- Large working volumes up to 12 m accommodate aerospace-scale structural components
- HEIDENHAIN or Siemens control options align with aerospace subcontractor toolchain requirements
- CMS application engineering provides deep expertise in CFRP, Kevlar, and aluminum honeycomb processing
Limitations
- High capital cost places the Ares in the aerospace/defense and large-scale composite segment
- Requires specialized operator training for 5-axis simultaneous programming and fixture design
- Large footprint and weight demand significant facility preparation including foundation reinforcement
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The Ares is optimized for carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), glass fiber composites, Kevlar, aluminum honeycomb sandwich panels, foam core materials, and aluminum alloys (5000 and 7000 series). It is not designed for heavy steel machining — that is better suited to a rigid vertical or horizontal machining center.
02
The Ares supports full simultaneous 5-axis machining — all five axes move continuously during cutting. This is essential for complex aerodynamic contours on wing skins and composite fuselage panels where 3+2 indexed positioning would require multiple setups and leave index marks on the part surface.
03
CMS integrates a high-efficiency dust extraction system with local suction at the spindle and a sealed enclosure option. Carbon fiber dust is a respiratory and electrical hazard, requiring HEPA-rated collection. CMS also offers mist lubrication for aluminum work. Customers are typically required to connect to a centralized industrial dust extraction system meeting relevant workplace safety standards.
Videos
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Community Discussions
Community discussion — 5axis help. Question in comments. : r/Machinists - Reddit
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Links to community discussions. Summaries are editorial — visit the original thread for full context.