There are six American companies dedicated to producing five-axis machine tools, and at least 20 in China.

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The United States exported 515 five-axis machine tools between 2005-2007, and only 12 of these went to China.

FORBES: Is Foxconn Fleeing China? Sure Looks Like It.

The Bureau of Industry and Security is in charge of licensing the sale of five-axis machine tools for export.

FORBES: Is Foxconn Fleeing China? Sure Looks Like It.

Companies making five-axis machine tools in the United States take a lot longer to build them than foreign rivals.

FORBES: Is Foxconn Fleeing China? Sure Looks Like It.

The number of licenses issued for export of five-axis machine tools to China dropped from nine in 2006 to only three in 2007.

FORBES: Is Foxconn Fleeing China? Sure Looks Like It.

There are not many U.S. producers of five-axis machine tools.

FORBES: Is Foxconn Fleeing China? Sure Looks Like It.

It found that 80 percent of the five-axis machine tools they sold in the United States between 2005 and 2008 were imported, with Japanese and German machines making up the majority of models.

FORBES: Is Foxconn Fleeing China? Sure Looks Like It.

Sales of high-precision five-axis machine tools are declining.

FORBES: Is Foxconn Fleeing China? Sure Looks Like It.

Five-axis tools are used for the production of precision components in the aerospace industry, in making gas and diesel engines, automobile parts, and throughout the medical, textile, oil, glass, heavy industrial equipment and tool industries.

FORBES: Is Foxconn Fleeing China? Sure Looks Like It.

An internal cage with the balance wheel, balance spring and escapement completes one full turn on its axis in forty-five seconds.

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