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Whether it is daily technological parts, cars, or airplanes and medical equipment, CNC milling technology is an indispensable technical support. CNC milling is an advanced processing method that can improve the quality and efficiency of parts processing and reduce the labor intensity of workers. CNC milling is regarded as a core manufacturing technology that drives innovation through rapid prototyping and promotes high-quality products through efficient mass production. Therefore, it is called one of the most important processing methods in the industrial field. This process is not only fast and precise, but also has a wide range of applicability.
Therefore, it has been widely welcomed in many industries and has become a powerful assistant in the production of various products. With the development of science and technology, it has also begun to be applied in various fields, especially in the machinery manufacturing industry, injecting new vitality into my country’s machinery manufacturing industry. Next, this article will conduct an in-depth analysis of the universal application of CNC milling technology and its core value.

What is CNC milling?

CNC milling is a subtractive manufacturing technique. It uses a rotating tool to systematically remove excess material from a solid block of material (the workpiece) to create the desired shape.

CNC milling is a powerful and versatile process that offers advantages over traditional manufacturing methods, including multi-axis machining capabilities. This capability enables the production of complex parts with extremely high precision and excellent surface finish, which is important for many high-tech industries.

How Does CNC Milling Work?

The working process of CNC milling involves multiple key steps, and each link is interlocked to achieve high-precision part machining:

CAD 3D modeling

Use software such as SolidWorks and AutoCAD to design 3D models of parts, specifying the dimensions and tolerance requirements of the parts in detail.

CAM programming generates G-code

With the help of CAM software such as Mastercam and Fusion 360, the designed 3D model is transformed and the tool path and cutting parameters are carefully set, such as a speed of 8000rpm and a feed rate of 200mm/min.

Workpiece and tool clamping

• Fixed materials: Tools such as pliers, vacuum suction cups, or customized fixtures are used to firmly fix metal, plastic, and other workpiece materials to ensure stability during the processing.
• Tool selection: Choose appropriate tools based on the type of machining. When rough machining, multi blade milling cutters are often used; In the precision machining stage, ball end milling cutters are often used.

Tool alignment and coordinate system setting

Carefully calibrate the relative position between the tool and the workpiece, and scientifically set the workpiece coordinate system, such as G54, G55, etc., to minimize the occurrence of machining errors.

Automatic cutting and processing

CNC machine tools strictly follow the generated G-code to perform layered cutting operations on workpieces. This process includes rough machining, which is used to quickly remove a large amount of excess material; And precision machining, aimed at achieving high smoothness processing effects.

Quality inspection and post-processing

Use professional equipment such as coordinate measuring machines (CMM) or laser scanners to verify the dimensions of the processed parts. At the same time, according to actual needs, surface treatment processes such as deburring and anodizing are carried out on the parts.

What Are the Applications of CNC Milling？

CNC milling is widely used in many industrial fields due to its high precision, high accuracy, and strong adaptability

Aerospace: The Ultimate Pursuit of Accuracy and Reliability

• Typical applications: aircraft engine blades, spacecraft structural components, navigation system components.
• Technical highlights: Through five axis linkage machining, the precision of complex curved surfaces of turbine blades can reach ± 0.005mm; using specialized cutting tools to overcome the machining difficulties of high-strength and high-temperature resistant titanium alloys.
• Actual case: The titanium alloy frame of the Boeing 787 fuselage is CNC machined, which significantly improves structural strength while reducing weight by 15%.

Automobile manufacturing: the technological cornerstone of intelligent travel

• Typical applications: engine cylinder block, transmission gear, new energy vehicle battery box.
• Technical highlights: Ensuring consistency in mass production, capable of processing over 500 aluminum alloy wheels in a single day with an error control of ± 0.03mm; achieving mixed cutting of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) and metal.
• Actual case: Tesla’s integrated die-casting body has undergone CNC precision machining, reducing assembly steps by 30%.

Medical equipment: Micron level precision in the field of life sciences

• Typical applications: artificial joints, surgical robot components, dental implants.
• Technical highlights: After processing medical grade stainless steel, the surface roughness Ra is ≤ 0.4 μ m, effectively avoiding bacterial growth; Precision molding of orthopedic screws and other micro components with a diameter less than 1mm can be achieved.
• Actual case: Johnson&Johnson’s 3D printed hip joint prosthesis can achieve personalized matching after CNC post-processing.

Consumer Electronics: Aesthetic and Functional Integration of Technological Products

• Typical applications: metal frames for mobile phones, laptop casings, and structural components for smart watches.
• Technical highlight: It can perform deformation free ultra-thin cutting on aluminum alloy bodies with a thickness of 0.3mm; Capable of processing irregular holes such as precision magnetic slots for TWS earphone charging cases.
• Actual case: Apple MacBook adopts Unibody integrated molding technology, and the CNC machining of each product takes 18 minutes.

Energy Equipment: Manufacturing Support for Green Transformation

• Typical applications: wind turbine gearboxes, nuclear reactor seals, solar panel brackets.
• Technical highlights: Achieving high-precision machining of large components such as 5-meter diameter wind turbine bearing seats; Adopting anti rust milling technology to carry out anti-corrosion treatment on stainless steel components of offshore platforms.
• Actual case: After CNC machining, the service life of the main shaft of Siemens offshore wind turbines has been extended to over 25 years.

Mold manufacturing: digital upgrade of the mother of industry

• Typical applications: injection molds, die-casting molds, stamping molds.
• Technical highlight: Mirror processing makes the surface roughness of the mold reach Ra0.1 μ m, greatly reducing the subsequent polishing process; It can directly mill hard alloys such as mold steel with HRC60 hardness.
• Actual case: BYD car interior injection molds have been CNC processed, reducing production cycles by 40%.

What are the types of CNC milling machines?

The following is a summary table of the main types of CNC milling machines, including structural characteristics and typical application scenarios:

Type	Structural features	Applicable scenarios	Processing accuracy	Typical applications
Vertical CNC milling machine	Spindle vertical worktable, small footprint	Small and medium-sized parts processing	±0.01mm	Mold cavity/electronic parts processing
Horizontal CNC milling machine	Spindle horizontal layout, with rotary worktable	Box-type multi-faceted processing	±0.015mm	Engine cylinder block/gearbox housing
Gantry CNC milling machine	Crossbeam straddle structure, large stroke (X axis>3m)	Large workpiece processing	±0.02mm/m	Wind turbine blade mold/aerospace structural parts
Five-axis machining center	Multi-axis linkage (3 linear + 2 rotary axes)	Complex surface processing	±0.005mm	Impeller/medical equipment/automotive cover
Desktop CNC milling machine	Compact design (worktable <500×300mm)	Precision small parts	±0.005mm	Watch parts/microelectronic components
High-speed milling machine	Spindle speed>20,000rpm, acceleration≥1g	Thin-wall/hard material processing	±0.008mm	Aluminum alloy mobile phone middle frame/graphite electrode
CNC engraving machine	Lightweight structure, high dynamic response	Non-metallic fine engraving	±0.1mm	Woodworking relief/acrylic logo
CNC machining center	Integrated tool magazine (20-120 pieces), automatic tool change	Multi-process composite processing	±0.01mm	Batch production of complex parts
Turning and milling compound center	Integrated turning and milling functions	Rotating complex parts	±0.007mm	Turbine shaft/hydraulic valve body
Moving column milling machine	Moving column structure, workpiece fixed	Extra-long workpiece processing	±0.03mm/full length	Track equipment/ship keel processing

Comparison of key selection parameters:

• Processing range: desktop (<0.5m³) → gantry (>10m³)
• Spindle power: engraving machine (3kW) → heavy gantry (50kW+)
• Positioning speed: conventional type 30m/min → high-speed type 100m/min

The table allows for quick positioning: select a five-axis/bench type for precision machining, a gantry type for large workpieces, and a machining center for batch production. The actual selection requires a comprehensive assessment based on material properties, production requirements, and budget.

What materials are used for CNC milling?

In CNC (computer numerical control) milling, there are many types of materials used, covering metals, non-metals, composite materials and other categories. The following is a detailed summary of the commonly used materials for CNC milling:

Metal materials

Material type	Features and advantages	Typical applications	Processing suggestions
6061 aluminum alloy	Lightweight, easy to process, low cost	UAV frame, electronic housing	Recommended speed: 8000-15000rpm
7075 aluminum alloy	High strength (comparable to steel), corrosion resistance	Aviation structural parts, sports equipment	Need to use carbide tools
304 stainless steel	Corrosion resistance, food grade safety	Medical equipment, kitchenware accessories	Low speed and high feed, with coolant
45# steel	High rigidity, low cost	Mechanical gears, tooling fixtures	Need to be tempered after rough processing
Titanium alloy TC4	High strength-to-weight ratio, biocompatibility	Aerospace fasteners, artificial joints	Special titanium alloy tools, low speed processing
Brass H59	Easy to cut, good conductivity	Electrical contacts, decorative parts	Avoid sticking, sharp blade tools are recommended

Engineering plastics

Material type	Features and advantages	Typical applications	Processing difficulties
PEEK (polyetheretherketone)	High temperature resistance (260℃), chemical corrosion resistance	Semiconductor fixtures, aerospace seals	Require special plastic tools to prevent melting
Nylon PA66	Wear-resistant, self-lubricating	Gears, bearing cages	Control cutting temperature to avoid deformation
Polycarbonate PC	High light transmittance, impact resistance	Optical lenses, protective masks	Finishing needs to reach Ra0.8μm finish
ABS	Easy to form, low cost	Product prototypes, home appliance housings	Prevent cutting vibration marks, and recommend thin cutting depth
PTFE (Teflon)	Ultra-low friction coefficient, acid and alkali resistance	Valve seals, insulating parts	The tool must be extremely sharp to avoid material tearing

Composite materials and special materials

Material type	Features and advantages	Typical applications	Processing strategy
Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP)	5 times stronger than steel and 70% lighter	Racing chassis, drone arms	Diamond-coated tools, layered cutting
Zirconium oxide ceramics	Superhard, bio-inert	Dental implants, tool edges	Can only be processed with diamond tools
Inconel 718 high-temperature alloy	Resistant to 1000°C high temperature, creep resistance	Aircraft engine blades	Very low feed speed, high-pressure coolant
Tungsten steel (hard alloy)	Hardness HRC90, excellent wear resistance	Mold inserts, precision tools	Can only be processed by electrical discharge machining (EDM)

Five golden rules for material selection

Mechanical properties first

• Titanium alloy/steel for high-load parts, aluminum alloy/CFRP for lightweight scenes

Processing cost control

• Aluminum alloy (￥150-300/kg) < stainless steel < titanium alloy (￥800-1200/kg)

Surface treatment adaptability

• 6 series aluminum for anodizing, stainless steel for electroplating and polishing

Thermal stability considerations

• PEEK/ceramics for high-temperature environments, avoid brittle materials for low-temperature scenes

Mass production feasibility

• ABS/acrylic can be used for small-scale trial production, and engineering plastics can be switched for mass production

What are the types of CNC milling operations?

The types of CNC milling operations mainly include the following:

1.Face milling

• Characteristics: The tool moves along a horizontal plane to machine the surface of the workpiece, forming a plane or step.
• Application: Processing of workpiece reference surfaces, manufacturing of planar structural components, etc.

2.Contour milling

• Characteristics: The tool moves along the contour path of the workpiece to process curves or contours of specific shapes.
• Application: Processing of mold cavities and complex shaped parts.

3.Drilling and boring

• Features: Use a drill or boring tool to machine circular holes on the workpiece, and ensure the accuracy of the holes by controlling the feed and speed.
• Application: Machining of parts assembly holes, threaded holes, and bottom holes.

4.Tapping

• Features: Machining internal threads in pre drilled holes, using a tap in conjunction with a CNC system to achieve high-precision thread machining.
• Application: Mechanical connection threaded holes, nut mounting holes, etc.

5.Surface Mill

• Features: The tool moves along a three-dimensional surface path and processes complex surfaces through multi axis linkage.
• Applications: aviation blades, automotive coverings, mold surfaces, etc.

6.Pocketing

• Characteristic: The tool is used to process enclosed or semi enclosed cavity structures inside the workpiece.
• Application: Processing of mold cavities, engine cylinder blocks, and shell components.

7.Inclined milling

• Features: By adjusting the tool angle or workpiece clamping method, a sloping surface at a certain angle to the reference plane can be machined.
• Application: Processing of helical gears, helical hole parts, and special angle structural components.

8.Profile milling

• Features: Utilizing a numerical control system to control tool paths and simulate complex physical shapes for machining.
• Application: Art carving, complex curved surface molds, non-standard parts processing.

9.Multi sided milling

• Features: By rotating the worktable or five axis linkage, multiple surfaces of the workpiece can be machined in one clamping.
• Application: For box type parts, complex structural components, and situations that reduce clamping errors.

10.High speed milling

• Features: Adopting high-speed spindle and fast feed system to achieve efficient and high-precision machining.
• Application: Aluminum alloy thin-walled parts, precision molds, aerospace parts, etc.

There are various types of CNC milling operations, and suitable machining methods can be selected based on the shape, accuracy requirements, and material properties of the workpiece to achieve efficient and high-quality machining goals.

How to choose the right milling operation?

Choosing the appropriate milling operation requires comprehensive consideration of workpiece characteristics, processing requirements, machine performance, and material properties. Here are the key points:

1. Clearly define the processing requirements

• Workpiece geometry: Plane/inclined plane milling; Five axis linkage is used for complex surfaces; The mold cavity requires milling and drilling of the cavity. ​
• Accuracy requirement: High precision scenarios require high-speed milling, paired with high rigidity machine tools; Choose ordinary flat milling for general precision. ​
• Surface quality: High smoothness achieved through high-speed milling with small cutting depths, and texture control achieved through optimized paths. ​

2. Analyze material properties

• Hardness effect: Soft materials (such as aluminum alloys) are suitable for high-speed milling; Hard materials (such as titanium alloys) require low-speed cutting and are equipped with hard alloy cutting tools. ​
• Machinability: Conventional processes are used for easy cutting materials; Difficult to machine materials require optimization of cooling and tool paths. ​

3. Evaluate machine tool capabilities

• Number of machining axes: Three axis machine tools handle flat surfaces and simple cavities, while five axis machine tools excel in complex surface machining. ​
• Performance parameters: The high-speed spindle is suitable for lightweight materials, while the high-power spindle is used for rough machining of hard materials; High precision feed system is used for precision machining. ​

4. Optimize cutting tools and parameters

• Tool selection: Large diameter face milling cutters are used for flat milling, ball end cutters are used for curved milling, and coated tools are selected for hard material processing. ​
• Parameter setting: The cutting speed is adjusted according to the material. For rough machining, a high feed rate and cutting depth are used, while for fine machining, the opposite is true. ​

Decision Process

1. Lock candidate processes based on workpiece shape and accuracy; ​
2. Screen machine tools and cutting tools based on material characteristics; ​
3. Verify the feasibility of the process based on the performance of the machine tool; ​
4. Optimize parameters through trial cutting to balance efficiency and quality. ​

What are some tips for choosing a milling company?

Choosing a milling processing company can be evaluated from the following dimensions to ensure the quality and efficiency of cooperation:

1. Assess professional competence and industry reputation
Technical reserves: Priority should be given to companies with experience in multiple fields, mastering processes such as five axis linkage and high-speed milling. ​
Industry reputation: By evaluating customer feedback, case studies, and certifications (such as ISO 9001, AS9100), reputation is judged, and companies that provide long-term services to top enterprises are more reliable. ​

2. Evaluate the progressiveness of equipment and technology
Hardware configuration: Confirm whether high-precision machine tools (such as Demage 5-axis machining center), coordinate measuring machines, and digital machining technology are equipped. ​
Process adaptation: For special materials (titanium alloy, carbon fiber), specialized cutting tools, cooling systems, or special processes are required. ​

3. Consider service responsiveness and customization capabilities
Communication efficiency: Teams that can come up with solutions within 24 hours are more suitable for urgent projects. ​
Customization: We can provide exclusive processing solutions for medical implants, molds, etc. ​

4. Analyze cost control and delivery reliability
Price transparency: Pay attention to the composition of quotations and be alert to the low price risk caused by reduced quality inspection. ​
Delivery cycle: Choose a flexible production enterprise, clarify the liability for breach of contract, and ensure delivery time. ​

5. Verify quality control and compliance
Quality system: Preventive measures such as first article inspection, process inspection, and FMEA are required. ​
Compliance qualifications: Aviation and medical fields require certification such as AS9100 and ISO 13485. ​

Decision recommendations

1. Field visit: Verify equipment status and workshop management standardization. ​
2. Small batch trial production: testing accuracy, surface quality, and delivery capability. ​
3. Long term cooperation: Prioritize suppliers who can provide technical optimization suggestions. ​
4. Through systematic evaluation, quality, cost, and efficiency can be balanced to avoid cooperation risks.

Summary

CNC milling has become one of the core technologies of modern manufacturing industry due to its high precision, high efficiency and flexible adaptability to complex processing. From automobile engine blocks, aerospace precision parts to medical device implants, its applications cover high value-added fields such as mechanical processing, mold manufacturing, electronic component production and medical devices, significantly improving product quality and production efficiency. With the continuous upgrading of multi-axis linkage technology, high-speed cutting process and intelligent programming system, CNC milling continues to make breakthroughs in processing efficiency, material adaptability and surface quality. In the future, it will further promote the transformation of manufacturing industry towards intelligence and precision, and become a key supporting technology in the era of Industry 4.0.

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FAQs

1. What are the main applications of CNC milling in the aerospace field?

In the aerospace field, CNC milling is widely used to manufacture high-precision titanium alloy structural parts (such as aircraft fuselage frames, key load-bearing parts of landing gear), aircraft engine blades (complex curved flow channel processing of nickel-based high-temperature alloys) and aviation aluminum shells. Its micron-level processing accuracy (±0.005mm) and five-axis linkage technology can accurately process complex three-dimensional surfaces while meeting the requirements of lightweight, high strength and dimensional stability in extreme environments. For example, the stress concentration risk of traditional welding structures is reduced through the processing of titanium alloy integral frames, and the complete one-time forming of blade twisted flow channels is achieved by relying on multi-axis linkage.

2. Why is CNC milling widely used in the automotive industry?

The automotive industry relies on CNC milling to achieve efficient production of engine cylinders (grey cast iron/aluminum alloy high-precision hole system processing and cylinder liner positioning), gearbox gears (hardened steel hard cutting and tooth shape modification) and new energy battery modules (aluminum alloy shell sealing grooves, electrode positioning holes and cooling channels). Its core advantage lies in the ability to quickly remove high-hardness metal materials through high-speed cutting (such as 12,000rpm spindles), and combined with automated programming and high-rigidity machine tool structures to ensure the yield rate of mass production (>99%). For example, the Tesla Model 3 battery module shell uses CNC milling to ensure the consistency of the sealing groove depth and avoid the risk of electrolyte leakage.

3. How does CNC milling help medical equipment manufacturing?

In the medical field, CNC milling is used to customize orthopedic implants (such as titanium alloy artificial joints, spinal fusion devices) and surgical instruments (such as minimally invasive surgical forceps and ultrasonic blades), and precision machining of biocompatible materials (such as Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy and PEEK polyetheretherketone) is used to meet personalized medical needs. For example, five-axis linkage milling is used to achieve bionic curved surface machining of artificial hip joint femoral stems to ensure fit with human bones; at the same time, CNC milling can control the surface roughness within Ra0.2μm, reduce the friction between implants and human tissues, and support the batch manufacturing of microporous structures (pore size 0.1-0.5mm) to promote bone tissue growth.

4. What are the applications of CNC milling in consumer electronics products?

Smartphone metal middle frames (aluminum alloy/stainless steel integrated molding), laptop shells (magnesium aluminum alloy ultra-thin wall processing and CNC chamfering) and smart watch components (titanium alloy case, ceramic bezel) all use CNC milling technology extensively. It uses high-speed machining (20,000rpm+spindle) to achieve 0.3mm ultra-thin wall thickness control and one-time molding of complex structures (such as side button holes and antenna slots), and combines nano injection molding, sandblasting anodizing and other surface treatment processes to improve texture and durability. For example, the titanium alloy middle frame of the iPhone 15 Pro is combined with CNC milling and physical vapor deposition (PVD) coating to take into account both strength and lightweight requirements.