What is CNC Milling?
CNC milling is a manufacturing process that uses a cutting tool mounted on a rotating spindle to selectively remove material from a block of raw substrate. The workpiece is rigidly mounted to a table, and this table moves or rotates on different planes so the tool can work at many angles. Sophisticated CNC milling machines can have 5 or more axes of independent motion to make more complex shapes or to avoid having to move the workpiece to a separate machine.
The process starts with a computer-aided design (CAD) drawing or 3D model of the final component. That dimensional data is then exported into a language that computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software can understand. The CNC milling machine reads the generated CAM instructions and conducts a series of precise machine movements along different paths and axes.
Here are the most common CNC milling methods:
- Plain milling: Also known as surface milling, this milling process uses a cutting tool to remove material along the surface of the workpiece. In plain milling, the rotation axis is parallel to the workpiece.
- Face milling: Face milling uses a rotational axis perpendicular to the material’s surface. The cutting or grinding tool faces down against the workpiece surface to remove material.
- Angular milling: This milling method positions the cutting tool’s rotary axis at an angle to the workpiece surface to produce angular cuts as specified by the design, such as grooves or dovetails.
- Form milling: Form milling makes non-flat cuts, such as contours, curves, and radii. Each type of curve will require a specific cutting tool to create an accurate form cut.
Types of CNC Milling Machines
CNC milling machines are highly versatile and may be used to facilitate a variety of cuts and machining operations. In general, however, the workpiece remains stationary while the cutting tool moves and rotates to remove material and realize the design. Different CNC milling machines will have varying spindle configurations that hold and move the workpiece in different ways.
Horizontal Milling: A spindle with a mounted cutting tool is oriented horizontally as it presses against the workpiece. Horizontal milling can handle deeper and heavier cuts using thicker and shorter cutting tools.
Vertical milling: A vertically-oriented spindle moves a rotating cutting tool up and down to remove material from a stationary workpiece. The turret-style milling machine features a spindle and table that moves both perpendicular and parallel to the axis.
Multi-axis milling: 4-axis and 5-axis CNC mills facilitate highly detailed or complex machine operations. Multi-axis milling machines move on the X, Y, and Z axes, in addition to rotating on the A and B axes. This allows the workpiece to be approached from any direction, often facilitating multiple operations simultaneously.
What is a CNC machine used for?
CNC machines can manufacture highly accurate, high-quality parts via subtractive machining technology. The materials that can benefit from CNC Machining include:
AluminiumSteel
ABS
Titanium
Copper
PP
PEEK
Brass
Nylon
CNC milling can be used with any industry that requires precise components, including complex industries such as aerospace and military. No matter what your component geometry or material, Duanshuo Machining offers the right CNC milling process to meet your needs. To learn more about our capabilities, please contact us or request a quote.
