CNC machine tool milling process

CNC milling, or Computer Numerical Control milling, is a machining process that utilizes computer-controlled and rotating multi-point cutting tools to progressively remove material from a workpiece and produce custom-designed parts or products. The process is suitable for machining a variety of materials such as metals, plastics, glass, and wood, as well as producing a variety of custom-designed parts and products. Precision CNC machining services are available in a variety of functions, including mechanical, chemical, electrical and thermal machining. CNC milling is a machining process, along with drilling, turning and various other machining processes, and this article focuses on the CNC machine milling process.

1、Definition of CNC Milling

2、Process Overview of CNC Milling

3、the scope of application of CNC milling processing

1、Definition of CNC Milling

What is milling? Milling is a type of machining that uses a tool to shape a workpiece, usually on a removable table, although some milling machines also use removable tools. Milling was originally done manually, but most milling is now done by CNC milling machines, which utilize computers to oversee the milling process. CNC milling offers greater precision, accuracy, and productivity for machining a wide variety of materials such as metals, plastics, glass, and wood, as well as producing a wide range of custom-designed parts and products.

2、Process Overview of CNC Milling

Like most traditional mechanical CNC machining processes, the CNC milling process utilizes computer controls to operate and manipulate the machine tool in order to cut and shape the blank material. In addition, the process follows the basic production stages that all CNC machining processes follow, including

Designing the CAD model

Converting the CAD model into a CNC program

Setting up the CNC milling machine

Performing the milling operation

The CNC machine milling process begins with the creation of a 2D or 3D CAD part design. The finished design is then exported to a CNC-compatible file format and converted by CAM software into a CNC machine program that controls the machine's movements and the movement of the tool on the workpiece. Before operators run the CNC program, they prepare the CNC milling machine by securing the workpiece to the machine's work surface or workholding device and securing the milling cutter to the machine's spindle. The CNC milling process uses either horizontal or vertical CNC milling machines, depending on the specifications and requirements of the milling application, as well as rotary multipoint (i.e., multi-tooth) cutting tools, such as milling cutters and drills. Once the machine is ready, the operator starts the program through the machine interface, prompting the machine to perform the milling operation.

Once the CNC milling process is initiated, the machine begins to rotate the cutting tool at speeds of up to several thousand rpm. Depending on the type of milling machine being used and the requirements of the milling application, the machine will perform one of the following actions to create the necessary kerf in the workpiece as the tool cuts into the workpiece:

Slowly feed the workpiece into the stationary rotating cutter

Move the tool over the stationary workpiece

Move the tool and workpiece relative to each other

Unlike manual milling operations, in CNC milling operations, the machine typically feeds the moveable workpiece with the rotation of the cutting tool rather than against it. Compliance with this convention of milling is called creep milling, while the opposite is called conventional milling.

3、The scope of application of CNC milling processing

In general, milling is best suited as an auxiliary or finishing process for machined workpieces, providing a clear contour for the workpiece or producing workpiece features such as holes, slots and threads. However, milling processes can also be used to machine blank material from start to finish. In both cases, the milling process involves the gradual removal of material to create the desired part shape. First, the tool cuts small pieces, known as chips, into the workpiece to create the approximate shape and form. The workpiece is then milled with greater precision and accuracy to complete the part with exact features and specifications. Often, a finished part requires multiple passes to achieve the desired accuracy and tolerances. For parts with more complex geometries, multiple machines may be required to complete the machining process.

CNC milling is a machining process that is suitable for producing prototype, one-off and small to medium sized parts with high accuracy and tolerances. Tolerances on parts typically range from +/- 0.001 inches to +/- 0.005 inches, and some cnc milling machines can achieve tolerances of +/- 0.0005 inches or more. The versatility of milling allows it to be used in a wide range of industries and for a variety of part features and designs, including slots, chamfers, threads, and recesses.

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