CNC milling technology has been widely used in many industries in modern manufacturing due to its high precision, efficiency and flexibility. In this article, I will lead you to have an in-depth understanding of the basic concepts, main types and operation methods of CNC milling, and help you master the core principles and practical applications of this technology.
Was Is CNC Milling
CNC milling is a process that uses computer numerical control technology (CNC) to drive a milling machine for precision machining. Through computer programming, CNC milling can control the movement of the tool in three-dimensional space, thereby achieving cutting, engraving and shaping of various materials.
Its working principle is based on computer control system, which accurately controls the tool’s motion path, speed, feed rate and other parameters through input program instructions. The tool is usually rotating, gradually removing material from the workpiece surface to achieve the desired shape and size. Our common control methods include G code and M code, and the program contains the process route and processing sequence.
Main Types Of CNC Milling
CNC milling covers many types of milling operations, common milling operations include face milling, general milling, angle milling and shape milling. These operations have their own characteristics and can meet various needs from large area removal to complex geometric shape processing.
Next, I will introduce these common milling operations in detail and give examples of their actual production applications :
Face Milling
Face milling is one of the milling operations I use most often and is used to machine flat or large surfaces on a workpiece. During face milling, the cutting edge of the tool is perpendicular to the surface of the workpiece, and a round tool is usually used, which is rotated to remove material layer by layer.
The advantage of face milling is that it can efficiently remove a large amount of material, and is particularly suitable for large-area material removal. For example, when machining molds, I usually use face milling to remove the initial blank and quickly complete the flat surface treatment. This not only improves the processing efficiency, but also ensures the surface quality and ensures that the size and surface finish of the final workpiece meet the design requirements.
General Milling
General milling is a very versatile operation that I use on parts of all shapes and sizes. General milling is suitable for machining complex geometries by removing the workpiece layer by layer with a rotating tool at a small cutting depth.
This method not only enables efficient processing, but also ensures processing accuracy. In my work, general milling is often used to produce precision mechanical parts, such as gears and shaft parts, and is especially suitable for complex surfaces and holes that require delicate processing. For example, when I process gears, general milling can accurately control the tooth shape to ensure the functionality and dimensional accuracy of the parts.
Angle Milling
Angular milling is a method I often use to process the edges and angles of parts, especially when the workpiece surface has specific angle requirements. Using angular milling tools, I can accurately machine sharp angles or rounded corners to ensure that the machined parts meet the designed angle requirements.
This milling operation can not only meet the different angle processing requirements, but also ensure the workpiece geometry is accurate. In actual operation, angular milling is often used in the processing of mechanical parts, such as gear boxes and frames, which need to be processed into specific angles to ensure that they can fully meet the requirements of the design drawings.
Shape Milling
Shape milling is one of the milling operations I use most often when working with complex geometries and special shapes. By using different shaped cutters, shape milling can produce very complex parts with curved surfaces, contours, notches, etc. This operation is especially important in mold making and special parts processing.
During the machining process, I can use the shape milling tool to accurately produce complex three-dimensional surfaces, which is essential for the production of high-precision molds. For example, in the production of automotive parts, shape milling is often used to process complex surfaces and contours such as headlights and dashboards to ensure that the product can perfectly meet the design requirements and achieve high standards of precision and surface quality.
What Types Of CNC Milling Machines Azu There?
CNC milling machines can be divided into many types, including vertical milling machines, horizontal milling machines and multi-axis milling machines, etc. Each type has different processing requirements and precision requirements. Choosing the right type of milling machine can not only improve production efficiency, but also ensure processing accuracy and quality to meet the processing requirements of different workpieces.
Vertical Milling Machine
A vertical milling machine is a CNC milling machine with a horizontal worktable and a spindle perpendicular to the workpiece surface. It is particularly suitable for machining complex parts such as holes, slots and complex curved surfaces. Vertical milling machines are flexible to operate and can perform precise detail machining, and are common in the machining of small and medium-sized parts. Because the spindle is oriented upright, it is convenient for high-precision cutting and deeper cutting operations.
Features:
- High-precision machining
- Complex 3D shapes can be processed
- The operation is relatively simple, suitable for small batch production and prototyping
Horizontal Milling Machine
The main difference between a horizontal milling machine and a vertical milling machine is that its spindle direction is horizontal, and it is usually used to process larger and heavier workpieces. Horizontal milling machines have stronger cutting capabilities and are suitable for mass production and cutting larger parts. Due to its horizontal spindle design, it can better support heavier workpieces, reduce vibration, and ensure processing accuracy.
Features:
- High cutting force, suitable for mass production
- Horizontal spindle design to reduce vibration
- Usually used for processing large workpieces, such as gears, discs, etc.
Multi-Axis Milling Machine
A multi-axis milling machine is a CNC milling machine that can perform cutting processing in multiple axes at the same time. Common multi-axis milling machines include 3-axis, 4-axis, 5-axis and other models. Multi-axis milling machines can process complex shapes and are particularly suitable for complex parts processing in the fields of aviation, medical equipment and molds. Multi-axis milling machines can not only improve processing efficiency, but also reduce the number of workpiece clamping times and improve processing accuracy.
Features:
- Multi-axis simultaneous motion, suitable for processing complex parts
- High efficiency, reducing the number of workpiece clamping times
- Suitable for high-precision and high-complexity parts processing
Was EAusrüstung Aund Componenten Azu Needed For CNC Milling
CNC milling machines are composed of several key components, including the frame and axis, spindle and tool system, CNC control panel and cooling system. The frame and axis ensure stability and precise movement, the spindle and tool system determine the cutting efficiency, the control panel allows precise adjustment of processing parameters, and the cooling system maintains the optimal temperature of the tool and workpiece.
Frame And Axle
The frame is the core part of the CNC milling machine. It carries the weight of all other components and ensures the stability of the machine. As an operator, I know that the rigidity of the frame directly affects the processing accuracy. The CNC milling machine frames I often see are usually made of high-strength cast iron (such as HT250 or FC30). The tensile strength of these materials usually reaches more than 250 MPa, which can provide good stability and earthquake resistance for the machine.
I also pay special attention to the axis system of the CNC milling machine, which usually includes the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, which are responsible for controlling the relative movement of the tool and the workpiece. For high-precision machining, the axis motion accuracy of modern CNC machine tools can reach ±0.001 mm, while general standard machine tools are required to be controlled within ±0.005 mm. The axis drive system mostly uses servo motors, and the driving accuracy of servo motors can reach 0.1 microns, which allows me to achieve higher precision and efficiency in machining.
Spindel Aund Tool System
The spindle is one of the most critical components in a CNC milling machine, which directly affects the cutting effect. The spindle speed I usually use ranges from 2,000 rpm to 24,000 rpm, and some high-end models can reach 40,000 rpm to meet the needs of different materials and processes. I can also adjust the spindle power as needed. Generally speaking, the power range is 5 kW to 50 kW, and the specific power selection depends on the requirements of the processing material.
The tool system is also a part that I pay great attention to. The tool materials I often use include high-speed steel (HSS), carbide and ceramic. The choice of tool directly affects the processing efficiency and cost. The cutting speed of the tool is generally between 100 m/min and 500 m/min, depending on the material being processed and the design of the tool. Through precise tool management, I can improve processing efficiency, reduce tool change time, and thus improve production capacity.
CNC Controlle Panel
The CNC control panel is the “command center” for me to operate the machine tool. Through it, I can input machining parameters, monitor the machining process, and adjust the settings in real time. The control panel I use generally has a control accuracy of 0.001 mm, which allows me to accurately adjust key parameters such as cutting speed and feed rate. Common brands such as Siemens, Heidenhain and Fanuc are often used by me. They support touch operation and remote monitoring, which greatly improves the convenience and efficiency of operation.
Kühlung System
The cooling system is also a very critical part for me, especially during high-load cutting. It helps me maintain the appropriate temperature of the tool and workpiece to prevent damage or material deformation caused by overheating. The coolant is sprayed to the cutting area through a nozzle. The common spray pressure is usually between 2 and 8 bar, and the flow rate is between 15 and 30 L/min. For some special processing requirements, I will also use a high-pressure cooling system. The spray pressure can reach 20-70 bar, which helps me remove chips efficiently and control the cutting temperature to ensure processing accuracy and tool life.
Was Materien Can Be Processed By CNC Milling?
CNC milling technology can process a variety of different materials due to its high precision and adaptability. In my actual application, the materials I often come into contact with are metal, plastic, composite materials, and wood. The characteristics of each material are different, so the cutting speed, tool selection and feed rate during processing will also vary.
Here are some common materials and their processing characteristics:
Metal Materials
CNC milling has demonstrated its advantages of high efficiency and precision in the processing of metal materials, especially when processing materials such as steel, stainless steel, and aluminum alloys. For example, when processing stainless steel, such as 304 stainless steel, due to its high hardness, I usually choose a lower cutting speed (60-100 m/min) and a smaller feed rate (0.1-0.2 mm/rev), which can effectively extend the service life of the tool and avoid excessive wear. In actual operation, such settings not only ensure the processing quality, but also improve production efficiency and avoid tool chipping or workpiece surface damage caused by excessive cutting force.
For aluminum alloy machining, especially 6061 aluminum alloy, because of its good machinability, my cutting speed is usually set to 250 m/min, and the feed rate can be as high as 0.2-0.5 mm/rev. These parameters greatly improve the machining efficiency while ensuring the high precision of the machined parts. During the cutting process of aluminum alloy materials, I also pay special attention to avoid thermal deformation caused by excessive temperature, and usually use appropriate coolant for cooling to ensure machining accuracy.
Kunststoffe And Composites
CNC milling is not only suitable for metal materials, but also widely used in the processing of plastics and composite materials, especially in the fields of aerospace and electronic equipment. For example, when processing polycarbonate (PC), I usually set the cutting speed to 300 m/min and the feed rate to 0.3 mm/rev. These settings can ensure efficient processing speed while maintaining good processing surface quality.
For carbon fiber composites, due to their high strength and hardness, I usually choose a lower cutting speed (50–100 m/min) to avoid tool wear. In addition, I will use special carbide tools to ensure that the tools are not easily damaged during the processing of high-strength materials and extend the tool life. In addition, due to the special properties of carbon fiber composites, special attention needs to be paid to prevent material delamination or cracks during the cutting process, so precise control of processing parameters is essential.
Wood Aund Other Soft Materien
CNC milling is not only widely used in wood processing, but also can be used for precision processing of other soft materials. For example, wood processing is one of the common applications in furniture manufacturing, carved artworks, and architectural decoration. In this type of material, the cutting speed is usually between 150–200 m/min and the feed rate is 0.5–1 mm/rev, which makes it possible to efficiently and accurately complete the processing of various wood parts, keeping the surface smooth and delicate.
For other soft materials, such as rubber, plastic and foam, CNC milling can also provide high-precision processing results. Taking rubber as an example, due to its softness and elasticity, lower cutting speeds and smaller feeds are usually used (for example, 30-60 m/min cutting speed and 0.1-0.3 mm/rev feed rate). This can prevent workpiece deformation or surface damage caused by excessive cutting, and avoid rapid tool wear.
In my actual operation, for softer materials such as foam materials, we usually use very low cutting speeds and control the feed rate to ensure that the surface is not overly disturbed. In addition, when cutting such materials, we should try to avoid generating too much heat, because high temperature can easily cause the material to deform or melt. By reasonably adjusting the cutting parameters, CNC milling can not only improve processing efficiency, but also ensure the surface quality and dimensional accuracy of the parts.
Vorteile And Disadvantages Of CNC Milling
CNC milling technology is widely used in modern manufacturing. The advantages of CNC milling include high precision, consistency, automation and high efficiency, which can significantly increase production capacity. Disadvantages include high equipment costs, operational complexity and tool wear issues.
Vorteile
High Precision And Consistency
One of the biggest advantages of CNC milling is its high accuracy, which can achieve a machining accuracy of ±0.001 mm. In my actual operation, the improvement in accuracy means that complex parts can be processed in one go, reducing the need for secondary processing and adjustments, and significantly improving production efficiency.
Automatisierung Aund High Efficiency
The CNC milling machine is automated through the numerical control system, which greatly improves the processing efficiency. When carrying out mass production, through functions such as the automatic tool change system (ATC), I can complete the replacement of different tools without stopping the machine, thus saving a lot of time. For example, in the aluminum alloy processing that I often come into contact with, the cutting speed can be as high as 200 m/min, which increases the production efficiency by 40%.
Verarbeitung Complex Shapes
CNC milling can not only process planes, but also complex three-dimensional curved surfaces and deep holes and other complex shapes. Taking aviation parts as an example, CNC milling technology can easily achieve the complex curved surface cutting I need and ensure the accuracy of each component.
Disadvantages
Although the advantages of CNC milling are obvious, the initial equipment investment is high. For example, the five-axis CNC milling machine I recently purchased cost nearly 500,000 RMB. The high equipment investment and daily maintenance costs are a major challenge faced by many small businesses .
Operation And Programming The High Precision Of Complex
CNC milling depends on accurate programming. Once the programming is wrong, it may cause processing deviation or even damage the workpiece. In actual work, I spent a lot of time learning how to write accurate processing programs to ensure that each part can meet the high standards of customers.
When processing hard materials (such as stainless steel), tool wear is more serious. This means that I need to check the condition of the tool regularly and replace it in time. For example, when processing 7075 aluminum alloy, although its hardness is moderate, long-term high-speed processing will also cause tool wear .
Anmeldung Industries Of CNC Milling
CNC milling technology is widely used in many industries, especially in aerospace, automotive manufacturing, medical devices and mold manufacturing. In my experience, CNC milling technology can meet the stringent requirements of these industries for high precision, complex shapes and consistency.
In the following analysis, I will introduce the application of CNC milling in various industries in detail in tabular form .
| Industrie | Application Fields And Technical Features |
| Luft- und Raumfahrt | Used to process aircraft parts, engine components, missile casings, etc. These parts usually have complex geometries and high precision requirements. CNC milling can provide stable processing quality and meet stringent technical requirements. |
| Automotive | Applied to the production of engine parts and car body molds. CNC milling ensures high precision and consistency, especially in large-scale production, to ensure the accuracy and surface quality of each part. |
| Medical Devices | High precision requirements are the main feature of the medical device industry. CNC milling is used to manufacture precision parts such as surgical instruments and implants. CNC technology ensures accurate processing of materials to meet the high strength requirements of human use. |
| Mold Manufacturing | Used to manufacture complex molds such as injection molds and die-casting molds. CNC milling can accurately control the size and shape of the mold, ensure the consistency of parts during the production process, and is widely used in mass production. |
| Electronics Industry | The application of CNC milling in the manufacture of high-precision electronic components can handle complex circuit boards, housings and cooling systems. Precise processing ensures the performance stability of electrical products. |
| Energy Industry | In the fields of wind power generation, oil drilling and nuclear energy equipment, CNC milling is used to process complex parts such as turbine blades, oil well equipment components, etc. Its high-precision processing ensures the reliability of the equipment in high-intensity environments. |
| Mold Repair | After the mold life ends, CNC milling can be used for mold repair, especially for precision plastic molds, die casting molds, etc. CNC technology can repair complex details and extend the life of the mold. |
| Industrial Equipment | CNC milling is widely used in the manufacture of mechanical transmission parts, gears, bearings, etc., ensuring the precise fit of each moving part and improving the stability and efficiency of equipment operation. |
FAQs
Where Is CNC Milling Used?
CNC milling is widely used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical devices, and mold making, especially in the processing of parts where we need high precision and complex shapes.
Is Milling Ter Same As Cutting?
Milling is a type of cutting process, which refers to cutting the workpiece through a rotating tool. The cutting process includes multiple operations such as milling, turning, and drilling.
Dose A CNC Milling Machine Cut Steel?
Yes, CNC milling machines can cut steel, especially in stainless and carbon steel machining, and the cutting speed is generally between 60–100 m/min.
Was Can You Do With CNC Milling (On Wood Or Aluminum)?
We use CNC milling to perform wood carving, aluminum alloy cutting and complex shape processing, which is commonly used in furniture making, automotive parts manufacturing, etc.
Conschluss
CNC milling technology has become one of the core technologies of modern manufacturing due to its high precision, high efficiency and strong flexibility. Through the understanding of the processing of different materials, the trade-offs between advantages and disadvantages, and the wide range of application industries, we can help you choose the processing solution according to your actual needs. I hope that through the analysis of this article, I can help you understand and apply CNC milling technology more deeply.