CNC milling is a type of computer numerically controlled machining, hence the name. It is a process that involves cutting and drilling using different machines. A rotating cylindrical cutting tool is used, but there are more sophisticated machines such as those that move along multiple axes to create all kinds of shapes, holes, and grooves. 5-axis machining has become very popular and for what it can achieve. There is also high speed CNC milling which is now adopted by manufacturers because of what it can achieve.
High speed CNC milling offers many benefits of different types of applications and is a technology that can be applied in cavity milling in high alloy tool steels. Using the proper cutting and holding tools for the operation, milling on hard surfaces is made really easy and fast. There is much that can be achieved with high speed milling, but what are the benefits that have made this type of machining so popular and reliable?
1. High-speed milling offers shallow cuts and reduces hook-up time of the cutting edge. Feeding is faster than the propagation time of heat. Shallow cuts reduce radial forces on the spindle and tool, saving spindle bearings, ball screws, and guides.
2. With the low cutting force involved in milling, there are small and consistent tool deflections that make the process highly reproducible and safe, especially when combined with constant stock for every toll and operation.
3. High-speed CNC milling makes cutting small components productive. Performance is economical and optimal with roughing, semi-finishing and finishing because total material removal is low. Good surface finishes are easy to achieve with this technology.
4. Machining allows to work on very thin walls. With proper downward milling tool paths and reduced contact time between workpiece and edge, vibrations and wall deflections are avoided. Milling maintains very sharp edges and positive cutter micro geometry for best results with such use.
5. With the geometric precision of the molds and dies, assembly is faster. Nothing beats the textures and geometry of CNC-produced surfaces, and additionally reduces manual polishing time by a large percentage.
6. High-speed CNC machining also translates into mold and die durability. This is because problems such as vertical fatigue cracks that are common with EDM are reduced, so there is no risk of breakage.
The other benefits that come with high-speed CNC milling include reduced costs because there are less raw material and labor costs, greater automation that comes with computer numerically controlled machines, higher efficiency, and high flexibility. The chances of errors are also greatly minimized with high-speed milling and operation remains uninterrupted. There is greater precision and the ability to integrate different programs to achieve the exact type of results you expect from the process. In the process, you can use programs repeatedly, so you can easily create similar objects and copies in a much shorter time.