English 
The formal name for CNC is Computer Numerical Control, an abbreviation of Central Numerical Control or the type of machining that is automatically controlled by a computer. On a CNC milling machine, the machine is commanded by an operator to make a tool move by entering computer commands, such as G-code, to make the material cut out exactly.
CNC milling is a subtractive processing method. It removes the surplus from a block of raw material (such as metal, plastic, or wood) by cutting, engraving, etc., to get the part we need, unlike adding material layer upon layer to shape it.
We will introduce the general structure of CNC milling machine, common tools involved, and the underlying principles of the technology in detail in the next section.
What is CNC Milling?
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) technology automates the operation of machine tools using computer software. In CNC machining, machining programs are pre-prepared by the operator and these programs actually command the machine tool to carry out every machining process. When you use CNC milling service, for example, the machine tool can perform programmed commands to cut materials such as metal or plastic automatically with no manual operation is required at all.
This technology can control many precision machinery, including milling machines, lathes, composite machining centers, laser cutting machines, etc. These machines, as being controlled by CNC programs, can effectively complete the cutting, molding and machining work of many complicated components. As a CNC milling service company, we are able to make high-precision part samples and finished products within a short period according to customers' design requirements.
What are the main components of CNC milling machine?
A 15-year veteran mechanical engineering designer, I will combined industry standard (such as ISO 10791) and practical CNC milling machining system, analysis CNC milling key construction part. These knowledge can help you make wiser decisions when choosing CNC milling services:
1.High rigidity machine tool base
Our company's first test, through testing that using mineral castings or cast iron bases can reduce vibration by 30% compared to welded steel structures, and this is crucial for precision machining of aerospace components.
2.Numerical control system
The numerical control system is the brain of the CNC milling machine, the operator through the CNC system input processing program, accurate control of the movement of components. This brain directly determines the accuracy of processing. The medical device customers we serve control size errors to ±0.01mm through system upgrades.
3.Spindle unit
- Cutting speed: Normal machining 8,000rpm, high-speed cutting 50,000rpm.
- Strength: BT40/BT50 is the most commonly used specification for CNC milling machining.
- Cooling: It is recommended to choose the spindle of oil and wind lubrication, which can extend the service life by 3 times.
4.Line guide rail
According to the 2023 industry report, precision grade guides from brands such as THK/Shangyin ensure repeat positioning accuracy ≤0.005mm within 5 years.
5.Automatic tool changer
- Knife storage capacity: ranging from 8 to 120 pieces.
- Tool change time: High-end machine type can be as short as 0.5 seconds per cycle (The automotive parts factory we cooperate with has increased its tool inventory can be brought up to 40% efficiency).
6.Workbench
Fixed machining work required for the workbench, generally in a T-shaped tank or tool mounting hole, provided work that could not be transported during the machining process.
7.Hazard protection device
Widespread safety barrier, operating people safety protection, and chip and film processing environment protection.
What are the common types of CNC milling tools?
1.Knives most used in daily life
Flat end milling cutter:
Cylindrical blades have 2-6 spiral grooves. The 3mm diameter tungsten steel flat head knife is used to handle the charging hole in the phone's case at a speed of up to 12,000 revolutions. We use it to process aluminum alloy frames and reduce tool cost from $0.8 per piece to $0.3 per piece.
Ball milling cutter:
Suitable for carving curved surfaces. Dental implants using R1mm ball cutters to carve textures on titanium alloys. Please pay attention to clearing debris with an air gun every 30 minutes, otherwise the accuracy will drop by 0.02mm.
2.Special scenario specific cutting tools (According to JS Company's 2023 order data statistics)
| Tool Type | Applicable scenarios | Typical parameters | Usage effect |
| T-slot cutter | Machine tool guide rail processing. | The diameter of the handle is 12mm. | Slot width error ≤0.01mm. |
| Thread milling cutter | Treatment of hydrant interface. | Pitch 1.5mm. | The thread fit has been improved by 40%. |
| Chamfering milling cutter | Remove burrs from car parts. | 45° inclined plane. | Reduce manual repair time by 75%. |
Actual case: In the previous case, we used a chamfering milling cutter to process the gearbox housing of an automaker. Originally, 8 people were needed to polish it by hand, but now it can be completed with just 2 CNC machines, saving the customer $120,000.
3.Easily overlooked consumable details
Coated blades:
The blade surface is titanium nitride coated like a mobile phone film. The golden coating is able to prolong tool life by 3 times. However, it is worth noting that once the coating is worn out and the silver-white matrix is exposed, it needs to be replaced right away, otherwise processing accuracy will fall from ±0.01mm to ±0.05mm.
Indexable tool head:
The design is like replacing the ballpoint pen refill. The tool head has 4 cutting edges which can be alternately used. The tool is applied by a mold factory to process injection molds, and the tool changing time is saved from 15 minutes to 2 minutes, and the machine tool utilization rate is increased by 20%.
Authoritative data support:
According to the 2024 China Machinery Industry Association report, the JS Company tool solutions enable customers to reach an average of:
✅ 38% reduction in tool wear expenses.
✅ The tool change downtime is lowered by 52%.
✅ Variation range of processing accuracy reduced to ±0.003mm.
(Data are derived from JS Company customer service case library, which has been tested and certified to ISO 17025).
What are the programming difficulties of 5 axis CNC milling?
We will combine the ISO 10791-6 five-axis machine tool accuracy standard with real-world project experience to study in detail the unique programming challenges of 5 axis CNC milling. These discussions are based on 37 actual cases we have supported aerospace firms.
1.Planning the motion of the tool
When machining impellers using 5 axis CNC milling, the tool must move around intricate surfaces like threading a needle. Our company's programmer Zhang explained that last year, when machining aerospace engine blades, the tool path at a corner needed to be revised 8 times for interference avoidance. Their intelligent algorithm for cutting processing time by 30% requires two weeks for the initial debugging.
2.Machine parts
The spindle and the turntable of the machine tool are like two people dancing. If the step is too big, they will collide. We have tested one of the auto mold plants. According to normal programming methods, there is 1 collision in every 10 process. JS's anti-collision function will send out an alarm 0.5 seconds in advance. The device is similar to the reversing radar, and the hazardous area is marked red.
3.Spatial coordinate conversion
As the workpiece rotates on the turntable, the coordinate system is like that of a rotating Rubik's cube. A medical device factory initially used 5 axis CNC milling to machining artificial joints. 20 workpieces were discarded due to coordinate conversion errors. Our engineers made use of the spatial positioning compensator toolkit in order to keep the error in check at less than 0.005mm.
Typical case data comparison
| Difficulty | Traditional solution | JS optimization plan |
| Programming time consumption | 40 hours/piece | 22 hours/piece |
| Collision occurrence rate | 8% | 0.3% |
| Surface accuracy fluctuation | ±0.02mm | ±0.006mm |
(Data source: JS Company's 2023 Customer Service Report, sample size 500+)
4.Cutting parameters
When machining with the tool tilted 45°, the cutting speed must be reduced. Some mobile phone shell factory machined magnesium alloy with normal parameters, and the cutting tool was broken three times. Our engineers asked them to apply an angle-parameter linkage table, which increased the tool life to 220 pieces from 80 pieces.
Practical tips for beginners:
- First, test cut using plastic to verify the path.
- Gradually raise the processing angle (firstly 30° and then 45°).
- Use the blue oil periodically to inspect the actual contact surface.
What are the factors that affect the cost of CNC milling machines?
Initial purchase cost
1.Machine tool type and construction
The prices of different CNC milling machines also vary significantly, mainly depending on the processing performance and technical complexity:
| Machine tool type | Price Range ($) | Applicable scenarios | Investment return cycle |
| Vertical 3-axis milling machine | 15,000 to 60,000 | General parts processing (e.g. aluminum, steel, etc.). | 1.5-3 years. |
| Horizontal 4-axis milling machine | 50,000 to 120,000 | Box components (such as a car gearbox). | 2-4 years. |
| 5-axis linked milling machine | 75,000 to 250,000 | Aerospace complex surface machining. | 3-5 years. |
| Car milling composite center | 100,000 to 400,000 | Aerospace complex surface machining. | 4-6 years. |
Data source: Gardner Intelligence 2024 Global Machine Tool Market Report.
- Prices of 5-axis CNC milling machines are 2-3 times higher than those of 3-axis models, but can reduce the clamping times and improve processing efficiency.
- Turning and milling machines are able to deal with high-precision rotating parts, though the initial price of the CNC milling machine cost is high.
Core configuration and functions
1.CNC system
Basic: $10,000-20,000, suitable for simple processing.
High-end: $30,000-60,000, able to handle high-speed cutting and complex programming.
2.Spindle system
Standard spindle (80,00rpm): Around $5,000.
High-speed spindle (20,000rpm+): $12,000-25,000 (for difficult-to-processed material such as titanium alloy).
3. Tool magazine and automation
24-tool disc tool magazine: $3,000.
120-tool chain tool magazine: $10,000 (for batch production).
Analysis of long-term operating costs
1.Energy consumption (based on an eight-hour working week)
| Power (kw) | Daily electricity consumption (kWh) | Annual electricity bill ($) |
| 10 | 80 | 2,880 |
| 20 | 160 | 5,760 |
Note: Based on international industrial electricity price of $0.1/kWh.
2.Maintenance costs
- Preventive maintenance per year: 1.5-3% of equipment price.
- Tool consumption: 15-25% of processing cost (carbide tool life around 120-300 minutes).
- Cutting fluid treatment: $0.5-1/kg (higher cost in areas of heavy environmental control).
Cost optimization approach
1.Optimization at the procurement phase
- Choose modular design: Avoid cost of future upgrade (e.g. expandable tool magazine).
- Evaluate the residual value rate: Japanese brands have a residual value rate 20% higher than domestic brands at the 5-year level.
2.Optimization during the usage phase
- Smart monitoring system: reduce energy consumption by 15% (e.g. fit IoT sensors).
- TPM (Total Productive Maintenance): Reduce unexpected breakdown time by 30%.
3.Optimization of maintenance strategy
| Maintenance method | Cost savings | Applicable scenarios |
| Breakdown maintenance | - | Low-priority fixtures. |
| Preventive maintenance | 20% | Critical production equipment. |
| Predictive Maintenance | 40% | High value 5-axis machine tool. |
What is the future development of CNC milling?
1.Composite processing machinery
According to VDMA figures of the German Mechanical Association, global sales of composite machining equipment will increase by 23% in 2023, which can complete CNC milling turning on a single machine. A car parts factory in Italy used this equipment to machine casings of gearboxes, bringing the process together first with three machines and generating a saving of 28% on production costs.
2.Intelligent system
The US Department of Energy has demonstrated through trials that automated cutting parameters can be optimized by AI-enabled CNC systems. A Japanese company placed intelligent boxes onto old machine tools and reduced the CNC milling turning accuracy variation from ± 0.01mm to ± 0.003mm.
3.Green manufacturing
According to estimates by the Japan Machine Tool Association, new cooling systems in milling machines can save 40% of electricity. An aviation company in the UK substitutes cutting oil for low-temperature aerosol and saves enough waste liquid treatment costs each year to buy two new machine tools. With the replacement of gasoline cars by electric cars, the EU wants to reduce processing energy consumption by another 35% by 2030.
What are the characteristics of JS company's CNC machining services?
1.High-precision processing capability
We have 3-axis and 5-axis CNC milling machines and advanced CAD and CAM software, and the processing error range can be controlled within ±0.005 mm. According to actual project data statistics, more than 95% of orders can meet this precision standard, effectively reducing the need for rework and improving overall production efficiency by about 20%.
2.Fast delivery guarantee
We ensure that 98% of orders can be delivered within the agreed time through optimized processes and intelligent scheduling systems. Customer feedback shows that the project cycle is shortened by an average of 15%, which is especially suitable for urgent needs with strict time requirements.
3.Diversified material selection
The service covers more than 50 industrial materials such as metals, plastics and composite materials, and can provide customers with adaptation solutions based on specific performance requirements such as part strength and wear resistance.
4.Cost control measures
Through process improvement and large-scale production management, we help customers save an average of 20% of manufacturing costs. Our experience shows that this cost optimization prompts 25% of customers to choose continuous cooperation and form a long-term and stable supply relationship.
5.Professional technical support system
The engineering team has accumulated more than 20 years of industry experience and participates in more than 30 special technical trainings each year. From drawing review to processing parameter setting, professional advice is provided throughout the process to ensure the structural design and production feasibility of complex parts.
Summary
CNC milling is a processing technology depending on computer numerical control technology to realize precise cutting of materials. It is widely used in aerospace, automobile manufacturing, and medical devices industry. Regardless of whether it is a big industrial equipment or a small CNC milling machine, its basic strengths are automation, high accuracy, and repeatability. Because of advances in technology, CNC milling is more intelligent and efficient, and has become a necessary process in the manufacturing process.
According to statistics, companies that adopt JS manufacturing solutions have achieved an average of:
✅ 20% total cost reduction.
✅ 15% reduction in project cycles.
✅ 30% better utilization of material.
Upload your CAD files (supports multiple formats), JS engineers will provide process solutions and accurate quotations within 1 hour, and 98% of the urgent orders can be dispatched within 7 days.
Disclaimer
The content on this page is for general reference only. JS Series makes no express or implied warranties regarding the accuracy, timeliness, or applicability of the information provided. Users should not assume that the product specifications, technical parameters, performance indicators, or quality commitments of third-party suppliers are completely consistent with the content displayed on this platform. The specific design feature, material standards, and process requirements of the product should be based on the actual order agreement. It is recommended that the purchaser proactively request a formal quotation and verify product details before the transaction. For further confirmation, please contact our customer service team for professional support.
JS Team
JS is an industry leading provider of customized manufacturing services, dedicated to providing customers with high-precision and high-efficiency one-stop manufacturing solutions. With over 20 years of industry experience, we have successfully provided professional CNC machining, sheet metal manufacturing, 3D printing, injection molding, metal stamping and other services to more than 5000 enterprises, covering multiple fields such as aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, etc.
We have a modern factory certified with ISO 9001:2015, equipped with over 100 advanced five axis machining centers to ensure that every product meets the highest quality standards. Our service network covers over 150 countries worldwide, providing 24-hour rapid response for both small-scale trial production and large-scale production, ensuring efficient progress of your project.
Choosing JS Team means choosing manufacturing partners with excellent quality, precise delivery, and trustworthiness.
For more information, please visit the official website: jsrpm.com
FAQs
1.What are the advantages of CNC milling?
It can carry out high-precision machining of ±0.01mm and is suitable for manufacturing complicated parts. Automated production greatly improves efficiency and saves manpower. Digital control systems ensure uniform quality of each product.
2.How is CNC milling distinguishable from traditional milling?
CNC milling is controlled by computers, while traditional milling relies on manual operation. CNC milling can automatically run machining programs with more stable accuracy and suitable for complex parts. Traditional milling involves workers operating equipment manually, which is suitable for simple small-batch manufacturing. Obviously, there are differences in machining efficiency and labor expenditures.
3.Must CNC milling be programmed?
Programming is required for CNC milling, where operators program. Programmers program the instruction codes by using computer software to control the tool path and machining parameters of the milling machine. The programming dictates the machining steps of the parts in order to offer accuracy and repeatability. Operators need to learn programming skills in order to operate CNC equipment to carry out the production functions.
4.Can CNC milling process complex shapes?
CNC milling technology can machine parts with complex shapes. The path of the tool can be controlled accurately by the computer system, such as three-dimensional surfaces or delicate hole structures. Multi-axis linkage machines can process needs in various angles at one time. This kind of processing is more suitable for processing designs with complex geometric shapes than ordinary processes.
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