What are the different types of CNC milling machines?
Below is a brief overview of the different types of CNC milling operations in use.
horizontal milling
In horizontal machines, the spindle is parallel to the workpiece surface. It can create flats, flats, bevels and grooves on the workpiece.
end milling
You can think of a vertical milling operation as a drilling operation because the spindle is perpendicular to the stationary workpiece or the flat moving surface of the workpiece.
For more information on the process, you can check out our horizontal vs vertical milling machine comparison.
Multi-axis milling
In multi-axis milling, the tool can move in four or more directions.
In the case of 5 directions, the machine is called a 5-axis machine. The higher the axis, the more complex parts can be created.
Column and knee milling
Column and knee milling machines are also known as variable speed milling machines. In these machines, the vertical movement of the column and knee assembly is very precise for precise vertical milling operations.
Ram milling machine
On a ram mill, the tool can be moved forward or backward on a horizontal axis. This is done with a movable plunger attached to the spindle.
Fixed bed manufacturing milling machine
In these machines, there is no movement of the uprights, knees or saddles. The stationary workpiece is on a table mounted directly on the machine bed. These machines are usually less expensive than others due to their simple design.
Planing and milling operations
In face milling, the cutting action occurs in a plane through the linear relative motion of the workpiece and the cutting tool. These milling machines are used to create planes.
To decide which milling machine you need, you can read our detailed guide.
What are the applications and uses of CNC milling machines?
To get an accurate picture of the application of CNC machining, let's divide the discussion into two parts - the materials it supports and the industries that use the process directly or indirectly.
You are already familiar with what CNC milling is. It is used to shape and to shape parts. Here are the materials to which you can apply CNC milling:
Materials compatible with CNC milling
Metal is one of the most common materials for milling. Metals melt at very high temperatures, making them unusable for processes such as 3D printing. Therefore, CNC milling is the best way to form metal.
Plastics and elastomers are also suitable for CNC milling due to their physical and chemical properties. Using high temperature methods with plastics often changes their chemical composition.
Additionally, they release toxic fumes when heated. Therefore, processes without heat like CNC milling are ideal for these materials.
Ceramics and composites often have temperature-resistant properties that make them unsuitable for 3D printing and molding processes. CNC milling is best for these materials because it works without damaging the material in any way.
Many people don't know this, but you can also use CNC milling to shape glass. Glass is brittle and easily shattered with other molding processes. Therefore, CNC milling with the right tool is a good choice for this type of material.
For more specific materials and use cases, check out our guide to CNC milling materials and how to choose one for your application.
Industries using CNC milling machines
You'll be surprised by the number of industries that use CNC milling.
Of course, this surprise will be resolved when you learn about the advantages of CNC milling over other alternatives in the next section.
One of the most popular ways to use CNC technology is rapid prototyping, which provides designers and engineers a fast and reliable way to see how a product or part will look at different stages of development.
Some industries that use CNC milling are:
car
The automotive industry requires a large number of custom manufacturing services for auto parts. The parts are manufactured using CNC milling machines for the manufacturing process and repairs.
aerospace
Because of their extreme precision, CNC milling services are understandably widely used in the aerospace industry, where the technology plays a vital role in the production of various parts used to ensure the safety and proper function of aircraft.
The aerospace industry uses many special materials with very high hardness and high temperature resistance. For the forming of these materials, the industry relies heavily on CNC milling machines.
Some of the parts produced using CNC technology include engine components, landing gear components and fuel plates.
metal fabrication
CNC milling machines are the backbone of any metal fabrication industry. CNC machines are fast, automated and efficient. Also, it works on all metals. So you'll find a milling machine in every metal fabrication shop.
agriculture
Agricultural equipment requires a lot of custom large tools and components. These were created using a CNC milling machine's custom fabrication service.
electronic product
The high versatility and accuracy of CNC milling machines make them ideal for the electronics industry. CNC milling machines can not only shape the conductors and metals needed for transmission, but also the polymer sheets that hold those conductors.
medical
In the medical field, specialized components are used not only for diagnostics, but also for applications such as prosthetics. These are created using CNC milling with an appropriate design.
CNC machining allows parts and tools to be made from many grades of titanium and stainless steel, materials commonly used to make scalpels, medical devices, and implants.
defense
CNC milling is also used to make military components. In fact, the earliest application of the milling process was in the manufacture of weapons. Even prototypes of defense parts are made using CNC milling machines.
In addition to these industries, CNC milling is also used in mining, oil and gas, automation, energy, and more.