CNC milling is a type of machining process utilizing a CNC (computer numerical control) machine whereby cutting tools and computerized controls are utilized for the selective removal of material from a workpiece so that a custom-designed part is produced. Read More…
Leading Manufacturers
Pacific West America, Inc.
Calabasas, CA | 866-317-0208Based out of California, Pacific West America, Inc. (PWA) is a metal fabrication company. We focus most of our efforts on swiss screw machining, stampings, and precision parts, and our electronics division makes products such as cable assemblies, connectors, circuit boards and membrane switches. We create our products using a variety of CNC controlled machines, processes and robotics. Such processes ensure that our products have all of the qualities our customers require, such as close tolerances, high durability, complex dimensions.
Valk Industries, Inc.
Greeneville, TN | 423-638-1284With nearly 40 years industry experience, we have what it takes to satisfy your every need. We are committed to our CNC machining quality, as our ISO 9001:2008 certification shows.
H & R Screw Machine Products, Inc.
Reed City, MI | 231-832-2356H & R is a custom manufacturer of high volume superior parts, providing CNC machining for tight tolerance and also lower volume applications too.
Detroit Edge Tool Co.
Detroit, MI | 313-366-4120Detroit Edge Tool Company is an industry-leading machine tool components manufacturer that offers CNC machining, drilling, and precision grinding. Detroit Edge Tool also manufactures linear motion components and has 135 years of experience. Industries served include machine tool, aerospace, steel mill, and automation industries.
Thuro Metal Products, Inc.
Brentwood, NY | 800-238-3929Thuro Metal Products is a CNC machining service provider. Our expertise is in the utilization of CNC controlled turning and milling machines as well as multi-spindle, single spindle, and Swiss screw machines.
What is CNC Milling?
This machine consists of a table that automatically rotates the workpiece on various planes so that the cutting tool can work on it. The working principle of CNC machining is based on the conversion of a 3D, CAD (computer-aided design) model into a set of computer instructions. These computer instructions are then used for automatically dictating the actions of the tooling as well as movements of a CNC mill.
Types of CNC Milling
CNC milling comes in these different varieties:
Vertical Milling
With vertical milling, the tooling rotation of this type of milling process runs vertically- that is in the direction of gravity. This process utilizes a simple vertical CNC milling machine with three axes where the movement of the tooling is vertical.
The movement of the table is from the front to the back of the machine, and also from side to side. The machines used in vertical milling are very common in most machine shops since they are simple to program and cost-effective, but still offer diverse capabilities.
Horizontal Milling
This type of milling process utilizes horizontal milling machines with a similar primary function as vertical machines. In the horizontal milling machines, the spinning of the tooling is horizontal. Horizontal milling machines are usually more expensive than vertical milling machines but they are more suitable for production machining. Horizontal milling machines often have a fourth axis of rotation.
Multi Axis CNC Milling
This type of CNC milling utilizes machines with an additional axis that provides additional types of movements. These types of machines expand the capability of CNC milling machines since they are beyond the three-axis machines.
Applications of CNC Milling
- CNC milling is used in the aerospace industry for the production of bushings, manifolds, and landing gear parts.
- CNC milling is used in the medical industry for the creation of medical instruments, prostheses, as well as other medical devices.
- The electronics industry also utilizes the process of CNC milling. CNC milling is used for the creation of amplifier housings as well as heat sinks.
- CNC milling is used in the automotive industry for prototyping and production purposes. CNC machining is used for the machining of extruded material into gearboxes, cylinder boxes, blocks, axles, valves, and other various components.
Benefits of CNC Milling
Fast and Efficient
Conventional milling machines need an operator to manually change the cutting tools depending on the operation that is to be performed. This is time-consuming and also inefficient since the results are based on the operator’s judgment.
On the other hand, CNC milling machines feature rotating carousels that are capable of holding up to 30 different tools. These tools are exchanged automatically on the spindle during machining operations. This, in turn, allows for the quick and efficient performance of different cutting operations.
Affordability
CNC milling is one of the most affordable manufacturing processes available today. The components that are produced by the CNC milling process cost less than comparable 3D-printed parts and parts created through many other procedures.
Broad Range of Material Options
With CNC milling, a wide range of materials can be machined. These materials include metals, plastics, various composites, etc.
Precision
CNC milling machines are capable of creating parts that are exactly to specification. Since CNC milling machines depend on computer instructions for the fabrication of parts, they eliminate human error, which is a common possibility in manually-operated milling machines. This means that complex parts can be accurately created while achieving tolerances that are as tight as 0.004mm.
Drawbacks of CNC Milling
More Wastage of Material
CNC milling is a subtractive type of manufacturing method. This production process begins with a block of material. As the process progresses, the portions of the part are cut away to form the finished part. This results in more material wastage than in additive manufacturing processes like 3D printing.
Lack of Skilled Technicians
Even though the whole CNC milling process is automated, it still requires highly-trained engineers and technicians that are able to program the mills, calculate the requirements, and supervise the mills for the production of high-quality parts.
