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What is CNC milling?
CNC milling represents a machining process that seamlessly integrates computer numerical
control machining systems with multi-point cutting tools, often in the form of milling cutters.
As a pivotal branch of CNC machining, CNC milling entails securing the workpiece onto a machine
bed and methodically removing material from a solid block.
This meticulous process results in the fabrication of diverse products, encompassing materials
such as glass, metal, plastic, wood, and specialized materials.
This comprehensive guide delves into the mechanics of CNC milling machines, explores the
various categories of CNC milling machines, and furnishes valuable design insights to optimize
CNC manufacturing outcomes.
Product Details
The most commonly used materials in CNC milling are metals, such as aluminum, brass or steel
and plastics such as ABS, acrylic, polycarbonate, and polypropylene.
Common Materials for CNC Machining | |
Material | Properties |
Aluminum | 2024: Good fatigue resistance and strength; excellent toughness at moderate to high strength levels; improved fracture toughness |
6061: Excellent machinability, low cost, and versatility | |
7075: High strength, hardness, low weight, and heat tolerance | |
Stainless Steel | Excellent machinability and outstanding uniformity; good workability and weldability, high ductility and formability |
Steel Alloy | Mix of chromium, molybdenum, and manganese yields toughness, good torsional and fatigue strength |
Brass | Versatile and highly attractive copper/zinc alloy with warm yellow color accommodates severe forming/drawing |
Titanium | Excellent strength to weight ratio, used in aerospace, automotive, and medical industries |
Copper | High ductility and high electrical and thermal conductivity; develops attractive blue-green surface patina over time |
ABS | Excellent impact resistance, good mechanical properties, susceptible to solvents |
Nylon | Excellent mechanical properties, high toughness, poor moisture resistance |
POM | High stiffness, excellent thermal & electrical properties, relatively brittle |
CNC Machining Tolerances
Tolerances are not standardized across all processes and materials.
The final tolerances on your part depend on various factors, such as part size, design complexity,
the number and size of features, materials used, surface finish, and the manufacturing process
employed.
Once your order is confirmed, we conduct a Design for Manufacturing review to identify areas that
may need modification for better manufacturability.
It's helpful if you can specify which areas in your design have critical tolerances that must be met
and which can be adjusted, if necessary, to optimize production time and cost.
CNC Milling Tolerances | ||
Limits for nominal size | Plastics | Metals |
0.5mm* to 3mm | ±0.1mm | ±0.05mm |
Over 3mm to 6mm | ±0.1mm | ±0.05mm |
Over 6mm to 30mm | ±0.2mm | ±0.10mm |
Over 30mm to 120mm | ±0.3mm | ±0.15mm |
Over 120mm to 400mm | ±0.5mm | ±0.20mm |
Over 400mm to 1000mm | ±0.8mm | ±0.30mm |
Over 1000mm to 2000mm | ±1.2mm | ±0.50mm |
Over 2000mm to 4000mm | ±2.0mm | |
*Please clearly indicate tolerances for nominal sizes, below 0.5mm on your technical drawing. |
Common Applications of CNC Milling Parts
CNC milling, renowned for its precision, finds widespread utility in crafting intricate designs.
It serves as a versatile method for producing various items including aerospace components,
furniture, medical parts, prototypes, titanium components, and woodworking projects.
Company Profile
FAQ's
1. Advantages of CNC Milling
CNC milling offers numerous advantages compared to alternative manufacturing processes:
1. Ability to craft high-quality parts in nearly any shape or configuration.
2. Cost-effective machining suitable for prototyping and small production batches.
3. Achievable high dimensional tolerances, ensuring precision.
4. Smooth surface finishes can be consistently attained.
5. Reproducibility, allowing for the creation of identical parts repeatedly.
6. High-speed operations result in rapid part production.
7. Versatility to manufacture a wide range of part shapes and sizes with a single machine.
8. Applicability to various materials, including metals, plastics, and composites.
9. Easy programmability using computer-aided design (CAD) software, simplifying design creation
and modification processes.
2. Design Considerations for CNC Milling
When designing parts for CNC milling, consider the following guidelines:
1. Leverage Precision: CNC milling machines offer high precision, so take advantage of this
capability in your designs.
2. Avoid Deep Pockets: Deep pockets can be challenging to machine, so try to minimize their use.
3. Address Sharp Inside Corners: Sharp inside corners can pose machining difficulties, so consider
using radii to ease machining.
4. Apply Chamfers: Add chamfers to top edges to reduce sharpness, improve aesthetics, and
facilitate machining.
5. Implement Fillets: Apply fillets to the bottom of pockets to reduce the risk of stress fractures,
especially if the component will be subjected to stress.
6. Be Cautious with Thin Walls: Thin walls and delicate shapes may be challenging to machine,
as they might not withstand the cutting pressure.
7. Simplify Curves: When possible, design shapes that do not involve complex curves in multiple axes,
as they can be tricky to hold during machining processes.