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2 CNC Milling: The Essential Technology for High-Precision Manufacturing

CNC Milling: The Essential Technology for High-Precision Manufacturing

Ⅰ. Overview

1. What is CNC Milling?

CNC Milling is a type of machining that utilizes computer program control. With CNC Milling, operators can accurately cut, punch, and mold a variety of materials, commonly used in metal and plastic processing.

2. How does a CNC milling machine work?

A CNC milling machine performs machining tasks automatically by reading a program written by a computer. The program contains information such as the cutting path, speed and depth to ensure accurate and consistent machining.

3. Types of CNC Milling Machines

There are several main types of CNC milling machines:

Vertical milling machine: the tool is perpendicular to the table and is suitable for flat surface machining.
Horizontal milling machine: the tool is placed horizontally, suitable for high volume machining.
5-axis milling machine: can cut on five different axes at the same time, dealing with complex parts.

4. What is the difference between 3-axis, 4-axis and 5-axis milling machines?

3-axis milling machine: can move in X, Y and Z directions, suitable for simple shapes.
4-axis Milling Machine: Adds a rotary axis to the 3-axis, capable of handling more complex parts.
5-axis milling machine: works on 5 axes at the same time, suitable for complex geometries and improves machining accuracy and efficiency.

Ⅱ. Features and Advantages of CNC Milling

The main features of CNC milling include high precision, high efficiency and a high degree of automation. This makes it particularly popular in mass production. Its advantages are:

Reduced human error: program control ensures consistent machining of each part.
Adaptability: Different machining tasks can be easily switched to meet multiple needs.
Time saving: CNC milling is faster than traditional machining methods.

Ⅲ. Popular CNC Milling Methods

Common CNC milling methods include:

1. Planar Milling: used to machine flat surfaces.

2. Contour milling: cutting along specific contours to form complex shapes.

3. Recess Milling: Used to make grooves or concave structures.

4. Drill Milling: Specialized for drilling holes in workpieces, suitable for making holes of various sizes.

5. Three-dimensional milling: used to process complex three-dimensional shapes on the workpiece, suitable for making complex molds and parts.

6. Inclined Milling: cutting the workpiece by changing the angle of the tool, suitable for machining that requires inclined surfaces or beveled edges.

7. Edge milling: Mainly used to remove excess material from the edges of the workpiece, ensuring a smooth and accurately dimensioned part.

These milling methods combined with different machining needs can help manufacturers produce more diverse and complex parts. If you need a professional CNC milling processing service provider, then Allied Metal will be a good choice.

Ⅳ. What types of parts can be made by CNC milling?

CNC milling can produce many types of parts, mainly including the following categories:

1. Plane type parts:

The machining surface of these parts is parallel or perpendicular to the horizontal plane, usually need two-axis linkage to process, is the simplest CNC milling parts.

2. Variable beveled parts:

The machining surface of these parts has a variable angle with the horizontal plane, and cannot be expanded into a flat surface. Usually use four-axis or five-axis milling machine processing, you can also use three-axis approximate processing.

3. Curved surface parts：

The machining surface of this type of parts is space surface, such as molds and propellers. The milling cutter is in point contact with the surface during machining, and is usually machined with a ball-end cutter on a 3-axis milling machine. For complex surfaces, a 4-axis or 5-axis milling machine may be required.

4. Complex structural parts:

These parts have complex curved contours and are usually designed based on mathematical models. During machining, the milling cutter maintains point contact with the machined surface, which needs to be programmed through the CNC.

5. Other types of parts:

CNC milling machines can also machine various types of mechanical parts (such as gears, bearings, pump bodies, etc.), aerospace parts, automotive parts, mold parts, electronic parts (such as circuit boards) and medical devices.

The advantages of CNC milling include high precision, high efficiency, strong adaptability and programmability, which are suitable for the processing of various complex structural parts.

Ⅴ. What is the difference between CNC milling and turning?

Ⅵ. Common application industries for milling.

CNC milling is widely used in the following industries:

Automotive

Machining engines, chassis, body components and interior parts to ensure vehicle performance, safety and comfort.

Aerospace

Producing aircraft structural components, engine assemblies and complex aerospace parts to meet stringent quality and safety standards.

Medical

Manufacturing precision medical equipment and instruments, including surgical tools, prosthetics, and a variety of medical devices to ensure patient safety and treatment outcomes.

Electronics

Manufacture circuit boards, housings, heat sinks and connectors, etc. to meet the functional and aesthetic needs of electronic products.

Motorcycle

Processing motorcycle engine parts, frames and accessories to improve performance, handling and safety.

Agricultural machinery

Machining key components of tractors, harvesters and other agricultural equipment to ensure equipment efficiency and reliability in agricultural production.

Ⅶ. Prospect

With the development of technology, CNC milling has a bright future. The trend towards smart manufacturing and automation will further enhance the efficiency and flexibility of CNC milling to meet the growing market demand.
In the future, CNC milling will continue to play a key role in high-precision and high-efficiency manufacturing processes.

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