CNC Milling Methods and Machines
June 7, 2021Milling is a type of machining process that maximises cutting tools in shaping and forming a workpiece. Some cutting tools are installed strictly on a moveable tabletop. Alternatively, other cutting tools can move on their own. Before, the whole process of milling is conducted manually. But as technology advances, all the necessary steps of milling can now be regulated by a computer.
Computer numerical control (CNC) has been the go-to solution for industries that want to automate their processes. And with CNC milling, most of the manual tasks that are assigned to and performed by humans are typically carried over to a capable computer. With CNC milling, production plants can expect products with better specifications and more detailed finishes. They can likewise expect their production rates to increase significantly as CNC milling can generally process multiple workpieces in just one go.
Multiple CNC milling methods can be used today. Some of these methods and their accompanying machines are as follows:
Turning
One notable CNC milling methods that are still around today is turning. Turning entails the clamping of the workpiece onto a rotating plate, which helps it spin during the cutting process. The cutting tool utilised for turning is mounted on a moving slide that can move up and down to effectively cut the workpiece. Through turning, large amounts of material from a workpiece can be removed right away. Aside from the cutting tool, a drill bit is placed on the tailstock so that it can punch some holes onto the workpiece.
When conducting the turning process, lathes are often utilised to effectively generate concentric shapes on round parts. Cylinders, shafts, threads, and others can be produced out of turning.
Milling
CNC milling is another cutting process that involves the rotation of a cutting tool on a spindle. The spindle is often part of a horizontal milling machine that can resist wear, vibration, and other intense elements. It is comprised of ball and straight roller bearings to effectively absorb both radial and end thrust loads.
As the cutting tool rotates on a spindle, the workpiece is then held horizontally in a machine and mounted on a table that can move in X and Y directions. The spindle, alternatively, can move the cutting tools in X, Y, and Z directions. The cutting tool for the CNC milling process does not only drill holes and bores but can also remove stock from complex workpieces. Keyways, chamfers, channels, and other products that must be processed with delicate cut angles can take advantage of the milling process.
Surface Grinding
Another CNC milling process that can be useful for a lot of applications is surface grinding. Surface grinding entails the creation of metal parts through a grinder. The grinder has a rotating disk that is often covered with abrasive grit. The workpiece, on the other hand, is attached to a table so that the grinder can move and process it effectively.
There are varying types of abrasives that can be used for the surface grinding process. But for the products to be processed effectively, the surrounding temperature and the tool speed must be regulated and maintained carefully.
To know more about CNC milling methods and machines, feel free to call us at Gunna Engineering.
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