XavierImportance of CNC Milling Services
Computer numerical control milling or CNC milling is a manufacturing process that uses rotating cutting tools and computer control to remove material from a workpiece.
CNC milling services are used to produce custom designed products or parts from materials such as plastics, metals, wood, fiberglass, etc.
In fact, CNC milling services offer a variety of functions, including chemical, mechanical, thermal, and electrical processes. As a mechanical process, material is removed from the workpiece by mechanical means.
1.Basics of CNC Milling
CNC milling uses computer control to manipulate and operate machine tools to shape and cut workpieces. The process is no different from other CNC machining processes.
It follows the following production stages:
- CAD model design
- Convert CAD model to CNC program
- Set up equipment
- Perform operations
The milling process starts with creating a CAD design, which is then converted into a CNC machine program that dictates the operation of the machine. The operator must properly set up the equipment and workpiece.
When the process is started, the milling machine rotates the cutting tool at high speed.
2.CNC Milling Operations
You should note that CNC milling services are suitable for manufacturing high-precision prototypes and small parts. The process can achieve a wide range of tolerances.
In fact, some of them can achieve extreme tolerances of up to -/+ 0.0005 inches. Due to its versatility, this manufacturing technique can be used to manufacture products in different industries and a variety of parts and designs.
These are the common CNC milling operations.
1) Face Milling
This technique refers to machining where the axis of the cutting tool is perpendicular to the workpiece. Ideally, this technique uses a face milling cutter with teeth on the surface and periphery of the tool.
You should note that peripheral teeth are used for cutting and face teeth for finishing. Face milling is suitable for making contours and flat surfaces on the finished product.
Using this process guarantees a high-quality finish compared to other milling operations. Side milling and end milling are common forms of face milling.
2) Plain Milling
It is also known as flatbed milling or face milling. In this case, the cutting tool rotates parallel to the workpiece. It uses a plain milling cutter with peripheral teeth for the cutting operation.
This technique can both reduce feed rates and increase cutting speeds.
3) Angle Milling
In this process, the cutting tool is rotated at an angle relative to the workpiece and a single angle tool is used.
This technology helps to produce angular features including grooves, serrations, and chamfers. A common application is the creation of dovetail joints.
4) Profile Milling
This technology is used to create contours, outer frames, and irregular surfaces. For example, it is used to create flat and curved surfaces. Common applications include the creation of beads, complex designs, and hemispherical activities.
3.Benefits of CNC Milling Services
Before ordering component manufacturing, you need to understand the benefits of CNC milling services. Regardless of the product or business, the benefits are obvious.
1) Precision Components
CNC technology eliminates human error. In addition, the accuracy can reach 1/1000. Therefore, the manufactured high-precision components are used in the military and medical industries.
2) More Functions
When you use it with CAD software, CNC milling machines can create products that traditional milling machines cannot. Even the best engineers cannot create products that CNC machines can create using traditional machines.
In fact, using this manufacturing technology, you can produce any texture, shape, and size.
3) Reduced Labor
Another advantage of CNC milling is that it uses less labor. Ideally, only a few operators are needed to run production tasks. For example, a programmer can run multiple automatic machines.
On the other hand, traditional machines require one operator plus a supervisor per machine. The labor savings are passed on to the customer. This way, you can gain a competitive advantage over your business rivals.
4) Reduced Costs
High speed, specialization, efficiency, labor saving, and high precision increase the profitability of a manufacturing business. The money saved can be reinvested in the business. Making money and saving money are some of the benefits of CNC milling.
5) Unified Components
CNC milling services produce matching components or parts. However, if you use a traditional milling machine, the parts produced will be slightly different.
Fortunately, with CNC technology, all parts can be matched to the exact specifications of the prototype.
6) Convenience
Although manual machining is widely used, it is prone to human errors. In addition, if you lack sufficiently skilled operators, you will face financial problems. You don’t want to deal with operators who cannot meet your expectations. Luckily, CNC machining eliminates all of these concerns.
7) Design Retention
Once you load your design into your CNC machining software and create a rapid prototype, you can easily retrieve the design and use it again to manufacture your component.
With a master file, you are sure to get the same results even if the operator or machine changes. Plus, you don’t have to keep up with different versions of your design that only exist on a flash drive, computer, or disk.
8) Versatility
With CNC milling services, you can manufacture almost any component you can think of. Some CNC milling machines have advanced attachments and features that simplify and speed up the manufacturing process.
9) Low Maintenance
CNC milling machines don’t require much maintenance. You only need to change the cutting tool and do some cleaning. As a result, you save money because you don’t have to seek professional maintenance services.
10) Safer
In addition to a stable and fast production process, operators also have a safe working environment. Unlike traditional milling, operators can stay away from sharp tools, drills, and punches when using CNC machines.
If you haven’t checked how your parts are manufactured, it would be a good idea to consider CNC milling services. That’s because this type of service offers a lot of benefits.
While it’s not the cheapest option, the initial cost is an investment. Your business can enjoy efficiency, high-quality products, reliability, long-term savings, customer retention, and more.
It can also increase production, reduce setup time, and allow for the manufacture of complex components.