Milling operations are a type of mechanical metal processing performed on specialized milling or turn-mill machines with computer numerical control (CNC). During this process, a rotating cutting tool (milling cutter) removes excess material, forming the required shape of the workpiece, planes, slots, technological steps, and other elements with a high level of precision.
Milling operations involve the rotational movement of the cutter and the linear movement of the workpiece, making it possible to manufacture highly complex parts according to drawings. New Standard provides turning and milling metal machining services based on individual customer orders.
CNC Milling | Main Types
A CNC milling machine consists of a rigid, heavy-duty base on which all moving assemblies are mounted. The moving components include the worktable for securing the workpiece, the spindle with the cutting tool, the column that provides vertical movement of the spindle, and the guideways that enable table movement.
Process control is carried out by an automated system into which the production program is loaded. The CNC system automatically reads the program and sends commands to the servo drives that move the machine components and rotate the tool. The machine cuts the part according to a specified 3D model, while the tool magazine and protective enclosures ensure the required level of safety and automation.
Main Types of Milling Operations
Depending on the type of machining, the main types of milling operations include:
- Face milling — a technological process for machining large end surfaces using a cutter whose axis of rotation is perpendicular to the working surface.
- End milling — forming technological slots, grooves, pockets, and steps on the surface of a workpiece using an end mill (a cutter with cutting edges on both the end face and the periphery).
- Cylindrical (peripheral) milling — machining cylindrical and flat surfaces with a cutter whose cutting edges are located on the cylindrical surface.
- Form milling — producing complex profiles and curved working surfaces using form cutters.
- Gear milling — a special type of form milling used for cutting gear teeth.
- Slot and groove milling — cutting technological slots of various shapes, including keyways.
- Thread milling — cutting internal and external threads.
- Drilling holes using a milling cutter — a special type of end milling.
- Cutting and sawing — cutting workpieces or removing excess material using disc cutters.
Depending on the feed direction, CNC milling can be climb milling or conventional milling. Climb milling involves the cutter and the workpiece moving in the same direction. It is used for finishing operations but requires rigid fixation of the workpiece on the table.
Conventional milling involves opposite movement of the cutter and the workpiece; it is characterized by high productivity and is often used for rough machining operations.
How to Order Metal Milling Services
The manufacturing company New Standard provides CNC metal milling services based on individual customer drawings, sketches, and samples. To place an order, contact our managers by phone or email. We will prepare a technical specification, agree on it with you, manufacture parts, assemblies, or components with full quality control, and deliver them to any location within Ukraine.