What is CNC Milling?
CNC milling is the manufacturing process that uses a cutting tool mounted on a rotating spindle to selectively remove material from a block of raw substrate by moving along multiple axes. The workpiece is rigidly mounted on a machine bed which moves or rotates on different planes so the tool can work at many angles. The CNC machine is pre-programmed using CAD/CAM software to determine the cutting paths and tool movements, resulting in highly precise and accurate parts.
Parts commonly made of glass, metal, plastic, wood, and sometimes more specialized materials are used during the CNC milling process. The production of complex parts and components for the aerospace, automotive, and medical industries frequently use CNC milling processes.
CNC milling offers numerous advantages over traditional manual milling processes. It allows for faster production times, higher precision, and greater consistency. CNC milling can be used to create complex shapes and intricate designs that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with manual milling.
Radian Machining uses Mastercam
Mastercam has truly revolutionized the way we approach CNC programming in our business. With a user-friendly interface and extensive toolpath capabilities, we are able to create complex part geometries with ease. From 2D milling to advanced 5-axis machining, Mastercam allows us to execute a wide range of machining operations with precision and accuracy.
Mastercam allows us to import CAD models of the parts that need to be machined to then proceed to create toolpaths based on the specific requirements of each part. The software has the ability to choose from a wide range of cutting strategies, such as contouring, pocketing, drilling, and more.
Thus, Mastercam can optimize our machining processes, saving time and money in the long run. Efficient toolpaths minimize machining time and maximizes productivity. This is crucial for our business, as we strive to meet tight deadlines and fulfill orders on time.
Types of CNC Milling
There are several types of CNC milling machines, including vertical, horizontal, and multi-axis machines. Vertical milling machines have a spindle that is positioned vertically, while horizontal machines have a spindle that is positioned horizontally. Multi-axis machines can move the cutting tool along multiple axes, allowing for more complex and intricate designs.
01
Vertical CNC milling machine with spindle positioned vertically
02
Horizontall CNC milling machine with spindle positioned horizontally
03
Multi-axis machines moving along multiple axes for more complex designs