CNC milling process, production process, and application areas

CNC (Computer numerical control) milling is a machining process, including drilling, turning and various other machining processes, which means that the material is removed from the workpiece by mechanical means, such as the role of a milling machine cutting tool. CNC milling uses computer control and rotating multi-point cutting tools to gradually remove material from the workpiece and produce custom-designed parts or products. This process is suitable for processing various materials, such as metal, plastic, etc., and producing various custom-designed parts and products.

The basic production process of CNC milling process includes:

Design CAD models

Convert CAD model to CNC program

Set up CNC milling machine

Perform milling operations

The CNC milling process begins with the creation of 2D or 3D CAD part designs. Then, export the complete design to a CNC-compatible file format and convert it to a CNC machine program through CAM software, which instructs the machine's actions and tool movement on the entire workpiece. Before the operator runs the CNC program, first prepare a CNC milling machine by fixing the workpiece on the working surface of the machine tool (ie, worktable) or workpiece fixture, and then installing the cutting tool on the machine tool spindle. The CNC milling process uses horizontal or vertical CNC milling machines (depending on the specifications and requirements of the milling application) and rotary multi-point (ie, multi-tooth) cutting tools, such as milling cutters and drill bits. When the machine is ready, the operator starts the program through the machine interface and prompts the machine to perform the milling operation. Once the CNC milling process is started, the machine tool starts to rotate the tool at a speed of up to several thousand rpm.

In general, CNC milling is suitable as an auxiliary or finishing process for processed workpieces to process features of parts, such as holes, grooves, threads, concave and convex surfaces, etc. For example: 5G radiator aluminum profiles, electronic chip radiators, mobile phone aluminum shells, mining machine aluminum shells, automotive parts and other areas that require relatively high processing requirements and precision.

However, this process is also used for materials formed from start to finish. In both cases, the milling process will gradually remove material to form the desired shape and part form. First, the tool cuts small pieces (chips) from the workpiece to form an approximate shape. Then, the workpiece will be milled with higher precision to complete the part with its precise features and specifications. Generally, the finished parts need to be processed several times to obtain the required accuracy and tolerances. For parts with more complex geometries, multiple machine settings may be required to complete the manufacturing process.

Once the milling operation is completed and the parts are produced according to custom-designed specifications, the milled parts will enter the finishing and post-processing stages of production.