What is CNC Milling？

CNC milling is a computer-controlled machining process that uses a rotating cutting tool to remove material from a workpiece. The cutting tool is usually mounted on a spindle and moves in a linear or circular motion while the workpiece is mounted on a table and is fed into the cutting tool.
CNC machines are operated by computer programs that tell the machine what to do. The programs are written in CNC languages, which are similar to regular programming languages but with a few differences. The most common one is G-code. These programs tell the machine how fast to move, what direction to move in, and when to stop. Most machines will have many more options than just these simple ones. Some machines have a touch screen that shows the program on the screen instead of writing it down and is used to edit the program if mistakes are made.
CNC milling machines can perform a variety of milling operations, including end milling, face milling, and slot milling. End milling is a versatile and powerful process, capable of cutting slots, shoulders, flats, and complex 3D shapes. Face milling on the other hand is used to produce a wide variety of flat surfaces on workpieces with large diameters. While slot milling can be used to create grooves and pockets in workpieces for mating components and other purposes. We’ll discuss these types of CNC milling operations in more detail in the following paragraphs.

• CNC Milling Process CNC Milling Process
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How do you design parts for CNC milling?

There are many design factors to consider when creating parts for CNC milling. In general, some of the significant recommendations from our in-house team of mechanical engineers include the following:

• Minimize set-ups: Try to minimize the number of setups required for creating a part, so the milling process becomes faster and more efficient.
• Consider the internal corner radii: Internal corner radii must be added to the parts. It should at least be 1/4 the depth of the cut and preferably around 1/2 the depth of cut (or as large the design allows) for cost savings. Whenever possible, minimize the depth of pockets and drill holes instead of milling shapes.
• Avoid thin walls and thin sections of a part: During the milling process, machining forces are capable of deflecting and warping a part even with soft metals. If a section of a part doesn't need to be thin, don't make it thin. Done right, you’ll be able to speed up production, reduce cost, and improve the surface finish of the workpiece
• Consider part size: For smaller features, you’ll need smaller and more fragile tools. Small tools are harder to work with and run slower which increases costs. If a feature doesn't need to be small for the part to work, make it bigger.
  Standardize everything: Use standard thread sizes, standard corner radii, standard materials, and standard tolerances to save money and ensure parts arrive on time, regardless of who is making them.

What materials does CNC milling use?

Materials for CNC milling generally fall into three major categories: plastics, soft metals, and hard metals. Examples include aluminum, bronze, copper, ceramics, plywood, steel, stone, wood and zinc among others. Materials considered to be easy to work with and equipped with great properties are more often used compared to other viable materials.

Is CNC milling expensive?

There are ways you can reduce the cost of CNC milling. If you design simple parts and utilize standard-sized tooling, you can increase the chances of successfully producing a component with minimal costs. Other CNC machining design tips include adding internal corner radii to the parts, avoiding thin walls and sections of a part and opting for bigger features instead of smaller ones.

Our Typical CNC Milling Products

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• SS304 CNC Milling Product SS304 CNC Milling Product
• SS316 CNC Milling Product SS316 CNC Milling Product
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• ASTM1020 CNC Milling Product ASTM1020 CNC Milling Product
• ASTM1045 CNC Milling Product ASTM1045 CNC Milling Product
• Aluminum CNC Milling Product With Anodizing Aluminum CNC Milling Product With Anodizing
• SS304 CNC Milling Product SS304 CNC Milling Product
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