CNC Milling

CNC milling, also known as computer numerical control milling, is a machining process that utilizes computerized controls and specialized cutting tools to remove material from a workpiece. It is a highly precise and efficient method used in manufacturing and prototyping industries.

In CNC milling, a computer program controls the movement of a milling machine, guiding it to cut and shape the workpiece according to precise specifications. The program specifies the tool paths, cutting speeds, and depths, allowing for complex and intricate designs to be realized with great accuracy.

The milling machine used in this process features a rotating cutting tool that removes material from the workpiece by making a series of cuts. The cutting tool can move along multiple axes, including X, Y, and Z, enabling it to create various shapes, holes, slots, and contours on the workpiece.

CNC Milling can be used for producing parts which otherwise would be labour intensive and nigh on possible to achieve uniformity. The technology has helped lead development in numerous industries which otherwise would be impossible to achieve such as aerospace, health sector, renewable energy, oil and gas, automotive and leisure industry.

One of the significant advantages of CNC milling is its versatility. It can work with a wide range of materials, such as metals, plastics, wood, and composites, making it suitable for various industries. Additionally, CNC milling allows for high repeatability, meaning that multiple identical parts can be produced consistently with minimal deviation.

CNC milling offers several benefits, including increased productivity, improved precision, reduced human error, and the ability to produce complex parts that would be challenging to achieve through manual machining methods. It is widely used in industries like automotive, aerospace, electronics, medical devices, and many others.

A 3-axis CNC machine is capable of moving in three different axis simultaneously to mill material from a work piece. The axis are most commonly referred to as XYZ according to the Cartesian coordinate system, with the x-axis longitudinal, y-axis lateral and z-axis vertical.

A 5-axis CNC machine is capable of moving in five different axis simultaneously to mill material from a work piece. A 5-axis machine can move on the same axes as a 3 axis machine but in addition, the CNC cutting tool can rotate along two further axes, referred to as A and B.

Face Milling: used for either making a flat perpendicular cavity or cutting the flat surface of a material into the final piece. In this machining operation, only the tip of the cutter makes contact with the workpiece to produce the milled part.

Peripheral Milling: used to remove large amounts of material from workpieces by using the side of the milling cutter. This machining operation is more effective than face milling at removing larger quantities of material to produce milled part.