Surely you’ve heard of CNC milling before – it’s a popular method of processing metal, among other things, which is used in the food, chemical, construction, advertising or even interior design industries. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the process a little closer, and you’ll learn its biggest advantages!
Technical side of CNC milling
CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) milling is a precision machining process. It allows you to give an object the desired dimensions, shape and even surface properties. Milling is included in the group of chip machining, that is, removing excess material with cutting tools.
During the entire process, the tool of the milling machine performs a rotary motion. The blades shear the top layer of the part until the desired result is achieved. CNC milling is 100% automated, which in turn translates into maximum precision and thus the popularity of this method.
CNC milling is classified as a CNC service. They indicate computer numerical control and thus do not require the presence of employees. The term CNC itself in Polish means computer numerical control.
A wide range of materials can actually be milled. These are primarily soft metals, including aluminum, brass or copper, steel, as well as plastics – Plexiglas, foam, polyamide, or PVC.
How does the milling process work?
The milling process is complex and requires more than just a milling machine. It begins with the design of the component to be created by milling. After the design is made, the CAM plan is implemented, its inspection is carried out, and if any irregularities are detected – they are removed. Only after this process does the CNC milling machine begin its work.
The operation of this device can be safely compared to a laser jigsaw. Here, too, everything begins with the design and its modification to the tool paths. The device is based on a computerized control system.
Types of CNC milling
CNC milling can be divided into two types:
- 2D (two-dimensional) milling – is primarily the cutting of material, most often plates that have different thicknesses and sizes, making various shapes, including geometric figures, letters, or numbers,
- 3D milling (three-dimensional) – these are already a bit more complicated spatial forms, models, sculptures, they are also more time-consuming, often also require advanced software.
CNC milling – what tools?
As mentioned earlier, CNC milling machines are used for milling. They are an extensive group of machines and can vary in construction, size and even purpose. Milling machines for steel and those designed for plastics are completely different.
Milling machines use special tools that resemble drills in their appearance – these are cutters. Most of them work along their own axis and lateral feed.
The market offers us several types of cutters:
- ball,
- conical,
- cylindrical-face,
- profile,
- milling heads.
To get the desired effect, you need to take care of milling cutters matching. Their selection is usually the task of a CAM designer or machine operator. It is largely a matter of experience and relevant knowledge. You need to select the cutters both for the material to be machined and the end result you want to achieve.
In the absence of such knowledge, it is worth asking for help from a specialist at the point of sale in a milling machine store. The choice among the available models is really wide, making the risk of making a mistake quite high.
CNC milling – why is it worth it?
CNC milling is so popular for a reason. Access to high-tech equipment makes it possible to achieve complex shapes and patterns. This fully automated method has many advantages, including:
- versatility – CNC milling allows you to machine not only metal, but also other materials, which translates into a wide application of this method,
- time savings – due to the fact that the machine is automated, it does not require constant supervision by employees, moreover, it runs more efficiently than manual processing,
- saving money – CNC services allow you to set precise parameters and do not involve the risk of making a mistake, as is the case with workers, this translates into reduced material consumption and thus saves money,
- repeatability of components – this allows the use of milling for mass production,
- high precision – the parts are accurate and identical.
Because of these advantages, CNC milling has almost unlimited applications. It works well in food, chemical, heavy industry, construction, advertising, interior design. It is an excellent choice for both unit, batch and mass production. CNC services for large enterprises are synonymous with optimization, both in cost and time.