CNC Milling

CNC milling is a machining method that uses tools to form workpieces on a generally movable desktop, although some milling machines also have movable tools. Milling was originally a manual operation performed by workers, but today, most milling is done by CNC Milling machines that use computers to supervise the milling process. CNC Milling can provide higher precision, accuracy and productivity, but in some cases, manual milling is still very useful. Manual milling requires a lot of technical skills and experience, thus shortening the turnaround time.

 

Customized CNC Milling Services

 

How CNC Milling Works?

Like most traditional mechanical CNC machining processes, the CNC Milling process uses computer control to operate and manipulate the machine tool that cuts and shapes the blank. In addition, the process follows the same basic production stages as all CNC machining processes, including:

 

Design CAD model

Convert CAD model to CNC program

Setting up a CNC Milling machine

Perform milling operations

 

Customized CNC Milling Services

 

UP Rapid’s 5axis, 4axis and 3axis

Most CNC Milling machines can use 3 to 5 axes-usually along the XYZ axis and (if applicable) around the axis of rotation to provide performance. X axis and Y axis represent horizontal movement (movement left and right and back and forth on the plane, respectively), while Z axis represents vertical movement (up and down movement), and W represents horizontal movement. The axis represents the diagonal movement on the vertical plane. In a basic CNC Milling machine, you can move horizontally on two axes (XY), while newer models allow additional motion axes, such as 3-axis, 4-axis and 5-axis CNC machine tools. Some characteristics of milling machines classified by the number of motion axes are summarized below.

 

3-axis

Can meet most processing needs.

The machine is simple to set up.

Only need a workstation.

Higher requirements for operator knowledge.

Low efficiency and quality.

 

4 axis

Better functions than 3-axis machine tools.

Higher precision and accuracy than three-axis machine tools.

Machine settings are more complicated than 3-axis machine tools.

More expensive than three-axis machine tools.

 

5-axis

Multiple axis configurations can be used (eg 4 + 1, 3 + 2 or 5)

More powerful.

According to the configuration, it is more convenient to operate than three-axis and four-axis machine tools.

Higher level of quality and precision.

Depending on the configuration, its running speed is slower than 3-axis and 4-axis machining.

More expensive than 3-axis and 4-axis machine tools.

 

CNC Milling Capabilities

Our basic guidelines for CNC milling include important design considerations to help improve part manufacturability, enhance cosmetic appearance, and reduce overall production time.

 

 CNC Milling  Material  US/in.  Metric/mm
Max Dimensions
     
 3axis  Metals and Plastics(Acetal)  43.31in.*18.11in.*25.59in.  1100mm*460mm*650mm
 4axis  Metals and Plastics(Acetal)  15.75in.*7.87in.*7.87in.  400mm*200mm*200mm
 5axis  Metals and Plastics(Acetal)  11.81in.*11.81in.*3.94in.  300mm*300mm*100mm
 Min Dimensions      
 All  Metals and Plastics(Acetal)  0.25in.*0.25in.*0.04in.  6.35mm*6.35mm*1.02mm
 Tolerance +/-0.02mm
 Text Minimum width of 0.018 in. (0.457mm), depth of 0.0118 in. (0.3mm). 

 

CNC Milling Material Options

 

Customized CNC Milling Services

Plastics 

 

ABS 

 

Acetal

 

CPVC

 

HDPE

 

LDPE

 

Nylon

 

PEEK

 

PEI

 

PET

 

 

PMMA

 

PC

 

PP

 

POM

 

PPSU

 

PS

 

PSU

 

PTFE

 

PVC

Metals

 

Aluminum

 

Brass

 

Copper

 

Stainless Steel

 

Steel Alloy

 

Mild Steel

 

Titanium

 

Magnesium

 

 

 

Obtain a material properties comparison file here for a better understanding of CNC plastic part material selection. 

 

Post-Processing for CNC Milling Parts

Typically, we break (debur) the edges on all machined parts. All machined plastic parts are left as-machined, which may leave visible tool marks. Some metal parts, on the other hand, allow more choice. Parts left with sharp edges should be handled with care.

 

Plastics Customized CNC Milling Services
Polishing, Grinding, Painting, UV coating, Plating, Silk screening
Metals
Polishing, Grinding, Baking Painting, Anodizing, Plating, Laser Engraving, Electrophoresis, Passivation 

 

CNC Milling Video

 

 

 

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