As part of our CNC machining services, we can mill high-quality parts and components for a wide range of industries. But exactly what is CNC milling and how does it work? Read on to learn more about the CNC milling process, what’s involved and the potential benefits.
If you’re looking for CNC milling services in Wiltshire or the surrounding areas, contact our experienced team today to discover how we can help you.
What’s on this page
- What is CNC milling?
- The CNC milling process
- How does a CNC milling machine work?
- What’s the difference between CNC milling and CNC turning?
- CNC milling operations
- Benefits of the CNC milling process
- CNC milling services in Wiltshire and beyond
What is CNC milling?
CNC milling is a type of CNC machining process in which a computer-controlled machine (known as a CNC mill) progressively cuts away material from a workpiece to create a custom part or product.
As with other CNC machining processes, the movement of the cutting tools is controlled by a CAD/CAM-generated computer code. A CNC milling machine features rotary tools that move along multiple axes to create the desired shape – all with minimal human intervention.
The CNC milling process
Like any CNC operation, the CNC milling process begins with designing the part using CAD/CAM software such as Solidworks. The finished design is then converted into a CNC machine program such as G-code, which directs the movement of the cutting tools across the workpiece.
Once the code is ready, the engineer sets up the milling machine by attaching the appropriate cutting tools and affixing the workpiece. When everything is in place, the operator launches the program and the machine starts the cutting process.
How does a CNC milling machine work?
We’ve already established the key stages in the CNC milling process, but how does the machine itself work? A milling machine features a rotating multi-point cutting tool called a milling cutter that moves along multiple axes to remove material from the workpiece. Depending on the type of machine being used, it can cut at different angles and move along different axes.
Many CNC milling machines operate on three to five axes and are capable of achieving high levels of precision and detail. Generally speaking, the more axes a machine has, the more intricate and complex geometries it can machine. Some of the most advanced CNC machine centres even allow for both horizontal and vertical machining and come with a host of advanced features to ensure a smooth operation.
Types of CNC milling machines
- 2-axis milling machines cut holes and slots in the x- and z-axes. Essentially, they can cut vertically and horizontally but only in one direction
- 3-axis milling machines use a y-axis in addition to the x and z axes, allowing them to cut vertically in any direction (although it’s not possible to cut from below)
- 4-axis milling machines can rotate the x-axis, much like a lathe, which enables them to produce more complicated parts
- 5-axis milling machines incorporate rotation in both the x- and y-axes. The most complex of all CNC mills, these machines are ideal for creating very intricate parts.
What’s the difference between CNC milling and CNC turning?
Although they might appear to be similar, CNC milling and CNC turning are not the same. The main difference comes down to which part moves during the operation. In CNC milling, the workpiece is fixed in place and the cutting tools rotate around it. However, during CNC turning, the tools remain in the same position while the workpiece rotates on a lathe.
The tooling features also vary between the two processes. A CNC milling machine uses a multi-point cutting tool to intermittently cut the raw material, whereas a CNC turning lathe features a single-point tool that cuts continuously.
Generally speaking, CNC milling tends to be better suited to machining flat and irregular surfaces. CNC turning, on the other hand, is primarily used for machining cylindrical or conical shapes.
CNC milling operations
There are several types of CNC milling operations, some of which are outlined below:
- Face milling – A process in which the milling cutter operates perpendicularly to the workpiece. It’s typically used to create flat surfaces and contours on the final part.
- Plain milling – During plain milling, the axis of the cutting tool is parallel to the surface of the material being machined. Plain milling is sometimes referred to as surface or slab milling.
- Angular milling – A process in which the cutting tool’s axis of rotation is at an angle to the workpiece. Angular milling is often used to create angular features such as grooves, chamfers and serrations.
- Form milling – Form milling is used to create irregular and more complex surface contours, for example, concave and convex curves.
Benefits of the CNC milling process
- Guaranteed precision – As it’s controlled by a computer, a CNC milling machine can produce parts to very tight tolerances. This makes it’s useful for industries such as automotive, oil and gas and aerospace, where accuracy and precision are essential.
- Speed and efficiency – CNC milling machines can perform the same task much faster than an engineer operating a manual mill. They can also be programmed to run 24/7, allowing for high production output without compromising on quality.
- Consistency – Again, because a CNC machine is directed by a computer program, every part is produced in the same way over and over again. This guarantees consistency and ensures every piece matches the specifications exactly.
- Cost savings – CNC milling is less labour-intensive than manual milling, with one skilled operator able to oversee several machines at any one time. This results in considerable cost savings, which fabrication companies like ours can then pass onto customers.
Learn more about the advantages of CNC machining.
CNC milling services in Wiltshire and beyond
Based in Trowbridge, we offer a fast and reliable CNC milling service to customers throughout Wiltshire and the surrounding areas. Thanks to our national delivery service, we can also work with businesses throughout the rest of the UK and beyond.
Our modern factory is home to a range of CNC milling machines and we regularly mill parts in a variety of materials including aluminium, stainless steel and copper. With decades of experience behind them, our highly-skilled team can deliver great results time and time again.
For added reassurance, every job goes through our embedded quality assurance process during production to ensure it meets the most exacting standards.
Want to know more? If your part requires CNC machining, speak to one of our team today or request a free, personalised quote.