What is a CNC milling machine and how does it work? How does CNC milling machine compare with CNC Turning(lathe)? When do you need such a CNC machine tool? Focusing on milling the process of gradually removing material from the workpiece using rotary tools – CNC milling machines are the backbone of cnc machining factories around the world. These machines use a variety of cutting tools along one or more axes to mechanically remove material from the workpiece.
What is CNC milling machine/machining center
First of all, let’s see what a CNC milling machine is. CNC milling machine is a machine operated cutting tool, which is programmed and managed by a computer numerical control (CNC) system to accurately remove materials from the workpiece. The end result of the machining process is a specific part or product created using computer aided design (CAD) software. These machines are usually equipped with a spindle and three linear axes to position or move the parts to be machined. A more advanced version may have a fourth or fifth rotation axis to allow machining of more accurate shapes of different sizes and dimensions.
Also known as CNC machining center, more advanced CNC milling machines can run along multiple axes. These are equipped with automatic tool changer, advanced machine cooling system, pallet changer and advanced software to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the processing process.
CNC milling machines/machining centers typically use a material cutting process called milling or machining – the milling process involves securing a piece of preformed material (also called a workpiece) to a fixture attached to the milling machine platform.
Then quickly rotating tools (or a series of interchangeable tools) are applied to the material to remove small pieces of material until the required shape of the part is obtained. Different axes, cutting head speeds and feed rates can be applied depending on the materials used and the complexity of the parts being processed.
Milling is usually used to process parts that are not symmetrical from an axial perspective. These parts may have a unique curvature or surface profile, which may require a combination of drilling and tapping, grooves, grooves, grooves, grooves, and holes for machining. They can also form part of tools in other manufacturing processes – for example, in the manufacture of 3D moulds.
Features of advanced CNC milling machine/CNC machining center
In the past, milling machines were manually operated. Operators must use machine combinations of different tools to process more complex parts or products. Or they have to use a variety of settings on a single machine to get the job done.
With the development of CNC control and automatic tool changer (ATC) technology, higher efficiency, flexibility and speed can be achieved even for more complex parts. The digital reading and measuring system also improve the accuracy of CNC machining process. In order to meet the needs of manufacturers who need “High Mix Low Volume” (HMLV) or “Low Volume” production flexibility, CNC machining centers can be equipped with pallet changers or other automation solutions to form part of a flexible manufacturing cell (FMC) or a flexible manufacturing system (FMS). This allows such machines to meet various processing needs and demands.
How does the CNC milling machine work?
The general principle of CNC milling machine or CNC machining center is to clamp the parts to be machined on the top of the machine tool workbench. It can be clamped directly on the table or fixed in place with vises or fixtures.
The spindle containing the cutting tool (moving part) is then positioned vertically or horizontally. In this configuration,the tool can reach each XYZ position on the workpiece and start cutting and forming operations. In doing so, the workpiece or part can be fixed, mounted or moved/positioned by the worktable in a straight direction to the spindle with the cutting tool. This allows material to be removed according to the desired shape required to machine the part.
CNC milling machine can be horizontal or vertical.
CNC milling machine and CNC lathe (turning center)
Although the CNC milling machine is a machine tool just like the CNC lathe, the operation methods of the two tools are quite different.For CNC milling machines (also known as CNC machining centers), use vises or fixtures to fix or install the workpiece in place, while operating the cutting tools on or around the top of the workpiece. The material is then gradually removed using cutting tools or drills that rotate at high speeds along two or more axes at different feed rates.
However, in the case of CNC lathes (also known as CNC turning centers), the workpiece (usually cylindrical) is mounted on a rotary chuck or spindle. Then “turning” (thus called turning center) or rotating along the spindle, while the cutting tool located in the rotating or positioning turntable will move in the direction parallel to the workpiece. Then use a stationery cutter to remove the material.
Therefore, CNC milling machines use rotating tools with fixed workpieces, while CNC lathes use fixed tools to rotate the materials to be processed.
