Computer Numerical Control milling is a machining process that is a real game-changer, much different than any other precision machine processing tool offers. As a lot of people aren’t completely familiar with the process of CNC milling they can get them confused with other tools.
The CNC market is growing every year and it’s predicted to reach $22,904.3 million by 2026. This is not surprising, as CNC milling offers a large range of capabilities. It’s good to be well-versed in this subject, as the CNC milling industry is growing fast and its trends are ever-changing.
Here is everything you need to know about CNC milling.
What is CNC milling?
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Computer Numerical Control (CNC) milling is the most common type of CNC machining which is most often used to match different materials. This machining process runs on computerized controls and uses rotating multipoint cutting tools to create completely new custom parts or products.
Many people confuse CNC milling and 3D printing, but it’s important to emphasize that those two are completely different processes. A 3D printer builds its item from the ground up while a CNC milling process molds the finished item from a blank block of material.
This process is also unique because not only does it allow users to work with multiple different materials, it also has a wide range of capabilities. It can be used to create electrical, mechanical, thermal, and even chemical processes.
Different types of CNC mills
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Now that you have a basic idea of what CNC milling is, it’s important to emphasize that there are three different types, or configurations, of CNC mills. To get a better understanding of them, you need to know how they work and what they’re most commonly used for.
3-axis mills
This is the CNC milling configuration that is usually not able to create products as efficiently as other configurations or do it with as much detail. However, it can still be used to develop those products but it’s good to keep in mind that the 3-axis milling machines aren’t too high-quality or profitable.
They’re mostly used for the following purposes:
- Cutting sharp edges
- Milling slots
- Automatic operations
- Drilling holes
4-axis mills
These mills are suitable for multiple kinds of materials, ranging from aluminum alloys to composite boards, or even foam and wood. The 4-axis milling machine offers more functionality and features than the 3-axis mills and is a multifunctional CNC tool that is most often used in applications.
4-axis mills are typically used for:
- Hobby prototype building
- Titanium creations
- Car molds
- Artificial bones
- Military-grade products
- Gas and oil machine parts
- Architectural door frames
- Medical technology
- Aerospace products
5-axis mills
Finally, the most advanced and the fastest type of CNC mill is the 5-axis mill. As it’s very dependable and can be used to produce high-quality vertical milling, it’s often used to create more advanced products and parts such as:
- Medical technology
- Aerospace products
- Military-grade products
- Artificial bones
- Titanium creations
- Architectural door frames
- Gas and oil machine parts
- Car molds
Why is CNC milling so popular?
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If you’ve ever wondered why so many people are turning to CNC milling, it’s because it provides amazing constructing accuracy and functions while allowing you to work with different materials.
CNC machining service has developed significantly since it was created, which allows much lower costs of purchase, installation, and maintenance of CNC mills. And because CNC milling services are becoming more efficient and streamlined, they’re also becoming more accessible.
In today’s competitive market, the demand for any type of automation, especially CNC milling tools, is growing every day. Company owners see it as a great way to lower operating expenses and manpower in their businesses and stay on top of technological improvements.
CNC machines can be used to complete even the most complicated models with a fine and sleek finish. This is why many large manufacturing plants use CNC milling machines to perform drilling, turning, knurling, and many other operations.
To put it all in simpler terms, the reason why CNC milling is growing in popularity is that it offers many benefits.
Complex manufacturing
While you can create a variety of products with different precision machine processing tools, only a CNC mill can provide flexibility and accuracy. These machines can create complex designs and shapes, as they can work from multiple angles without any issues.
Versatility
Unlike other processing tools such as 3D printers, for example, CNC milling machines aren’t limited to any specific type of modeling. They are very versatile and can create any shape that was put into the software, no matter how specific or irregular the design is.
Innovation
As we already mentioned, the CNC milling industry is rapidly growing and many companies have already established themselves as leaders in the CNC machining marketplace. While these companies are responsible for most of the CNC industry, many small companies have also found success in it.
Innovation is what allows CNC milling solutions to grow at such a rapid rate and allow companies to use this technology to create solutions users find easier to engage with.
With innovation also came the 5-axis machining performance, which allows users to create complex parts and products more efficiently. By leveraging multiple axes, the mill solution also offers its users easier tool paths and increased cutting performance.
Reduced costs
Every business wants to cut expenses as much as possible without sacrificing the quality of their work, and CNC milling is the perfect solution for this. When businesses use CNC mills, they can enable notable cost savings by enhancing the bottom line of their production chain.
One of the best things about CNC mills is that they work faster than employees and with great accuracy, eliminating human error while still producing complex specialized products. Another bonus with these machines is that they can perform non-stop with little or even no downtime.
Increased safety
There are a lot of safety risks employees face when dealing with some types of manufacturing. Operating complicated machines can lead to a lot of on-duty accidents caused by bad conditions and fatigue, which can lead to serious injuries or at least human errors.
When CNC machinery is brought in, all of these safety concerns are significantly lowered. Workers who operate these machines do it in highly ergonomic conditions and there is no need for crouching, bending, or general lack of comfort.
Final thoughts
The CNC milling industry is taking the world by storm and keeps growing at an incredible pace. It’s obvious that soon enough, it will find its way into businesses all over the world. If you want to get a head start, it’s time to implement CNC milling in your company right now.
Machines are more capable now than ever before. When they leverage innovations through digital technology, they can handle problems traditional mills never could, and all this while providing quality results.
