CNC Milling Parts are manufactured utilizing a rotary cutter with multiple cutting edges arranged around its periphery.

This multi-point cutting tool is used in conjunction with a milling machine to create various shapes and surfaces.

Index

1. What is CNC Milling?

2. What are the differences between CNC Turning and CNC Milling?

3. What are the types of Milling Processes?

4. What are the types of CNC Milling Machines?

5. What are the benefits of CNC Milling?

1. What is CNC Milling?

CNC Milling process is highly versatile and capable of producing flat or curved profiles and intricate shapes with a high degree of accuracy and excellent surface finish. Milling machines are a fundamental component in modern machine shops due to their efficiency and capability in shaping a wide range of materials into precise parts and components. 

2. What are the differences between CNC Turning and CNC Milling?

• Operation Method:

1. • CNC Milling: It involves using a rotating cutting tool that moves along multiple axes to create shapes, holes and etc in the work piece. The work piece is stationary and the cutting tool moves to remove material.
   • CNC Turning: In turning, the work piece rotates on a spindle, and the cutting tool is stationary. The tool is fed into the rotating work piece to remove material and produce the desired the shape.

• Type of Parts Produced:

1. • CNC Milling Parts: Ideal for creating complex shapes and features like slots, holes, grooves, and contours. Milling offers more versatility.
   • CNC Turning Parts: Ideal for creating cylindrical parts such as rods, shafts, and bushings. It is most effective for parts with a round shape.

• Axis of Motion:

1. • Milling Machines: Operate typically on 3 to 5 axes. This multi-axis movement is the key for versatility to be able to produce more complex parts.
   • Turning Centres: Operate on 2 axes (X and Z).

• Material Removal:

1. • Milling: The cutting tool rotates against the work piece, cutting away material as it moves along different axes.
   • Turning: The work piece spins, and the cutting tool moves linearly, parallel or perpendicular to the axis of the work piece.

3. What are the types of Milling Processes?

• Slab Milling: This is the most basic form of milling. It involves the removal of material from a flat work piece. The milling cutter is typically cylindrical and rotates along its axis. In slab milling, the cutting action occurs primarily at the edges of the cutter. It’s used for machining large, flat surfaces.
• Slot Milling: This process is used to create slots or grooves in a work piece. The cutter used in slot milling is generally narrower than the width of the slot being milled, and it moves along the length of the slot.
• Side and Face Milling: In this method, the cutting is done by the sides and circumference of the milling cutter. This allows for efficient removal of material from the surface of the work piece. It’s commonly used for cutting large, flat surfaces, but the cutter can also be used to produce slots or grooves.
• Form Milling: Form milling involves using cutters that are shaped to create a specific form on the work piece. These cutters can be shaped to produce complex contours or profiles in a single operation, making them ideal for intricate work.
• Straddle Milling: This process involves the use of two or more milling cutters mounted on the same arbor, so multiple surfaces can be machined simultaneously at a parallel level. Straddle milling is often used for machining parallel slots or cutting flanges at the end of a shaft.
• Gang Milling: Gang milling uses multiple milling cutters mounted on the same arbor to produce complex parts with various surfaces or features in a single pass. This method is efficient for mass production as it combines multiple operations into one pass.

4. What are the types of CNC Milling Machines?

• Horizontal Milling Machines: These are the most common types of milling machines, typically used for machining large parts. The machine’s spindle is oriented horizontally. It allows the mounting of milling cutters on a horizontal arbor. This configuration is suitable for performing operations like slab milling and slot milling.
• Vertical Milling Machines: These machines have a vertically oriented spindle which enables the use of end mills and other tools. Vertical milling machines are often used for detailed work and when working with smaller parts. They are mostly effective for operations like face milling and plunge milling.
• Universal Milling Machines: These are horizontal milling machines that come with additional features. Universal milling machines can perform a variety of tasks and are highly versatile. They are equipped to handle a wider range of milling operations, including both horizontal and vertical milling.

5.  What are the benefits of CNC Milling?

• Precision and Accuracy: CNC milling provides exceptionally high precision and accuracy in machining tasks. The computerized control allows for exact movement and positioning of the milling cutter.
• Complex Geometries and Intricate Designs: CNC milling machines can produce complex geometries and intricate designs that would be difficult to produce with manual machining.
• Efficiency and Speed: CNC milling can operate at high speeds and it significantly reducing production times. 
• Repeatability: CNC milling machines can reproduce the design with exact precision multiple times. This ensures consistent quality across all produced parts.
• Reduced Human Error: The automated nature of CNC milling minimizes the chances of human error.
• Versatility in Material Use: CNC milling machines can work with a wide range of materials, from metals to plastics. It allows diverse applications in various industries.
• Flexibility in Manufacturing: CNC milling can quickly adapt to changes in the design or material. It makes making easier to customize or alter production when required.
• Reduced Labor Costs: Although CNC milling machines require a significant initial investment, they pay off the investment by reducing labor costs in the long run.

Novelty Steel supplies a broad variety CNC milling parts for various applications.