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Radmot Jul 25, 2022 11:44:40 AM

CNC MILLING - WHAT THIS METHOD OF METALWORKING IS ALL ABOUT

Digitalization is not bypassing any area of the service market today. Also the production of metal parts. The making of grooves, threads or gears is assisted by modern software that controls the work of machines. Here is CNC milling.

 

CNC Milling – what is it?

CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) Milling is one way of machining flat and shaped metal surfaces.

A milling machine (milling center) gradually removes the top layer of a semi-finished part to get the required size and shape. The milling machine rotates around its axis, and the feed motion is the movement of the workpiece or milling tool.

CNC milling works well wherever we need precise surface cutting. It is successfully used for machining many metals. The most common is milling in aluminum, metal and steel.

 

CNC Milling – the power of modern technology

In CNC milling, the traditional milling tool has been combined with a microcomputer that controls the movements of the milling machine.

 

CNC milling thus consists entirely of 3 stages:

  1. Computer-aided design (CAD) execution.
  2. Translation of the design into a milling machine control plan (CAM).
  3. Proper milling (CNC).

CNC milling is an automated process that does not require a human operator directly at the milling machine. The operator operates the machine using a software interface - entering the necessary data, tracking the milling machine and editing the entered parameters if necessary.

 

CNC Milling – beginnings and development

CNC milling has been developing since the early 1950s. It was then, for the needs of the US military aviation, that the search began for a solution that would allow the production of semi-finished parts with identical properties. Production was to be mass, fast and without human involvement to minimize the risk of errors.

The answer became control of machines by letters and numbers, or NC (Numerical Control). The first machines of this type used punched tapes and cards to communicate with the machine, and the first computer-controlled machine was put into operation in 1952.

CNC milling developed rapidly in the 1980s with the advent of microprocessors. This breakthrough technology made it possible to develop numerical control systems with small dimensions and an easy-to-use interface.

 

CNC Milling – types

There are several different types of CNC milling because of the type of milling machine.

 

Due to the arrangement of the blades, we distinguish:

  • Cylindrical (circumferential) milling, which produces 2 planes simultaneously.
  • Face milling, during which the axis of the cutter is located perpendicular to the machined surface.
  • Oblique milling, during which the axis of the cutter in relation to the machined surface forms a different angle from 0-90.

With regard to the design of the milling machine, we distinguish::

  • Full milling (three-sided) - as many as 3 machined surfaces are formed.
  • Partial milling (two-sided) - 2 machined surfaces are formed.
  • Free milling (one-sided) - 1 machined surface is produced

With regard to the movement of the milling machine, we distinguish::

  • Concurrent milling, where the cutting edge advances in line with the feed of the material.
  • Counter-rotating milling, where the cutting edge moves opposite to the feed of the material.

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What are the advantages of CNC milling?

Today it is difficult to imagine metalworking without computer technology. What are the advantages of CNC milling?

 

Precision and durability of products

CNC milling makes it possible to make precise grooves, even for complex shapes with many details. This, in turn, translates into greater product reliability and longer product life.

 

Speed of manufacturing

CNC milling means fully automated work, so production takes less time. That's why computer-controlled milling is perfect for producing large, repetitive batches of items.

 

Safety of the employees

Automation of milling makes human work not only lighter, but above all safer. CNC milling machines do not require human-machine contact or constant supervision by a specialist.

Lower production costs

CNC technology allows optimum use of the material being machined, which, combined with shorter production times and reduced human involvement, lowers milling costs.

What challenges does CNC milling pose?

CNC milling, in addition to its undoubted advantages, also presents new challenges for the service industry.
Today, metalworking requires highly specialized knowledge, and the production process itself is the result of coordinated cooperation between many departments, such as::

  • quality control,
  • modern measurement systems,
  • maintenance and the use of failure prevention methods,
  • production process design technology.

At the same time, the expectations of customers of metalworking services are increasing. This forces the continuous improvement of digital control systems, drive and measurement systems.
And the simplification of programming language and systems is not forgotten, so that operating milling machines is increasingly intuitive and reliable.

 

Which industries use CNC milling?

CNC milling primarily supports sectors that require mass production of items that meet stringent usability standards (such as environmental or safety) or high visual requirements.

 

Therefore, CNC milling is used by industries such as:

What the price of CNC milling depends on?

If you need metalworking services, you are certainly interested in the price list of CNC milling.

 

However, the final cost of CNC milling depends on many factors:

  • the type of material to be machined,
  • the thickness of the material to be machined,
  • the length of the milling line,
  • the size of the order.

 

Therefore, at RADMOT we price cooperation only after we know the customer's expectations, in order to give him a clear and certain answer.

 

CNC Milling - we invite you to contact us

Are you looking for a company that will provide you with CNC milling services for metal parts? We offer precision CNC machining of stainless steel, aluminum and brass. Contact us and tell us what you need, and we will give you a price for CNC milling.

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