What Is CNC? 

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) is an emerging technology used to operate machine tools precisely via computer programs. Unlike manual operations, it enables more efficient processing of complex parts than is possible through traditional manual means. Typical systems for using CNC include computer control units, drive systems, sensors, and actuators. In addition to machine tools themselves to minimize human errors during automated operations and reduce human mistakes – widely utilized across a range of manufacturing fields for precision parts processing with high production efficiencies.

CNC milling and CNC turning are the most common form of CNC processing.

1. CNC Milling

CNC milling is a processing technique that utilizes a rotating tool to cut workpieces under computer control, using precise computer programing. Milling machines typically utilize vertical milling, horizontal milling, five-axis milling, or five-axis milling technologies – and can perform complex cutting operations on pieces of various shapes and complexities from metals and plastics alike. Milling can create high-precision surface finishes, which is beneficial in mold making, aerospace production, and automobile assembly – as well as numerous other industries.

Face milling

This technique involves the milling of flat surfaces that are perpendicular to the cutter axis using cutters with teeth on both the periphery and face, with peripheral teeth performing the cutting action and face teeth providing the finishing touch. Face milling is known for producing high-quality finishes and can be completed either vertically or horizontally.

Plain milling

(also referred to as Surface or Slab Milling) occurs when the milling cutter axis is parallel with the surface being milled. This process typically occurs with a workpiece mounted directly against the milling machine table with its cutter secured to an arbor standard arbor of standard milling machines. The arbor is held in place horizontally between the milling machine spindle and one or more arbor supports and clamped directly to the table by clamps. Plain milling tools feature teeth on their peripheries as cutting tools. Wide or narrow cutters may be employed, with narrow cutters used for deep cuts while wide cutters provide wider surface coverage. 

Whenever material needs to be removed in large amounts, an operator typically employs a coarse-toothed cutter with slow cutting speeds and fast feed rates. Followed by finer-toothed cutters with faster cutting speeds and slower feed rates to produce approximate part geometry before switching over to finer-toothed cutters with faster speeds and slower feed rates for details.

Angular milling

It is used to fabricate flat surfaces by tilting the cutting tool axis at an angle relative to the workpiece surface. A single-angle milling cutter can then create angular surfaces such as chamfers, serrations, grooves, or dovetails depending on design requirements – typically either 45 degrees, 50 degrees 55 degrees, or 60 degrees depending on dovetail milling design specifications. Usually followed by the use of an angle milling cutter that further refines the sides and bases of an angular surface.

Form milling

It is a milling function designed for irregular surfaces with multiple curves or all curves. It can complete shaping in one cut using a formed milling cutter or fly cutter shaped specifically to the contours of each cut. Commonly half-round recesses and beads on workpieces or quarter-round radii on workpieces using convex, concave, corner rounding cutters that grind to an accurate circular diameter. Form milling can also create intricate patterns or mill multiple complex surfaces at once. Creating intricate patterns or milling several complex surfaces simultaneously using this process. Shaping Hemispherical and semicircular cavities, beads, contours, etc can all be accomplished this way as well.