CNC Precision metal part-CNC Milling 01

01-Introduction of the CNC milling

CNC milling is a machining method that uses numerical control technology to cut part by rotating milling cutters, to obtain the desired shape and size of parts. It is based on a computer numerical control (CNC) system, which can accurately control the motion trajectory of milling cutters in three-dimensional space and achieve complex shape machining. Compared to traditional milling, CNC milling has a higher degree of automation and better machining accuracy.

Milling cutter motion control: The core of CNC milling lies in precise control of milling cutter motion. The CNC system reads prewritten machining programs and converts the instructions into motion control signals for each coordinate axis of the milling cutter. These coordinate axes usually include X, Y, and Z axes, corresponding to the length, width, and height directions of the part. By controlling the linkage of each axis, the milling cutter can perform various complex cutting movements such as straight lines and curves on the surface of the part. For example, when machining a medical component with a curved surface contour, the CNC system can precisely control the milling cutter to cut along the contour of the surface according to the program,so that the machined surface meets the design requirements.

Milling cutter rotation and cutting: The milling cutter rotates at high speed under the drive of the motor, which is the key action to achieve cutting. The cutting edge of the milling cutter comes into contact with the surface of the part, and the excess material on the part is removed by the cutting force generated by high-speed rotation. There are various types of milling cutters, and different shapes and sizes of milling cutters can be selected according to processing needs, such as flat bottom milling cutters, ball end milling cutters, shank cutter, etc. In CNC machining of medical components, ball end milling cutters are commonly used to machine complex surfaces because they can better fit the shape of the surface and ensure machining accuracy.

02-The function of cutting parameters

Ø Cutting parameters play a crucial role in CNC milling, as they directly affect machining quality and efficiency. The main cutting parameters include cutting speed, feed rate, and cutting depth.

Ø Cutting speed refers to the instantaneous velocity of a point on the cutting edge of a milling cutter relative to the part, which determines the cutting force and heat generation during the cutting process. The appropriate cutting speed can ensure the durability of the milling cutter and the quality of the machined surface

Ø The feed rate refers to the distance that the workpiece moves relative to the milling cutter in the feed direction during each rotation or stroke of the milling cutter. A reasonable feed rate can improve machining efficiency, but excessive feed rate may lead to rough machining surfaces.

Ø Cutting depth refers to the depth at which the milling cutter cuts into the part during each cutting process, which is closely related to machining efficiency and tool life. In CNC machining of medical components, the control of these cutting parameters is particularly strict to ensure that the precision and surface quality of the machined parts meet the requirements.

03-Basic concepts of CNC machining

Ø CNC machining, also known as Computerized Numerical Control, It is a technology that uses computer programs to control machine tools for machining.

Ø By using prewritten numerical control programs (such as G code and M code) to control parameters such as tool path, cutting speed, and feed rate of the machine tool, To achieve precision machining of materials such as metal, plastic, and wood. 

Ø Machine tools include various types such as CNC milling machines, CNC lathes,CNC grinders, etc., which can complete various machining tasks such as cutting, drilling, milling, and grinding.

04-The workflow of CNC machining

Ø Design and Programming-Firstly, engineers use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create a three-dimensional model of the part. Then, the design model will be converted into numerical control code (such as G-code) using computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software, which contains detailed information such as machining paths and cutting parameters.

Ø Data transmission-The pre written CNC program is transmitted to the control system of the CNC machine tool through data transmission interfaces such as USB, Ethernet, etc. The control system reads and interprets these codes, generates control signals, and drives various moving parts of the machine tool.

Ø Processing execution-CNC machine tools automatically plan and execute tool paths based on CNC program instructions. The moving parts of the machine tool (such as the spindle, worktable, etc.) move according to a predetermined trajectory under the control of the CNC system, completing operations such as cutting, drilling, milling, etc. on the workpiece

Ø Detection and adjustment-During the machining process, the CNC system will monitor the position, cutting force, and other parameters of the tool and part in real time, and make adjustments as necessary to ensure machining accuracy and quality. Some advanced CNC machine tools are also equipped with online measurement and feedback systems, which can perform real-time detection and calibration during the machining process.

05-The main advantages of CNC machining

Ø High precision and consistency-CNC machining can achieve micrometer level machining accuracy, ensuring consistency for each workpiece. This is particularly important for products that require high precision and consistency, such as aerospace components and medical devices

Ø High efficiency and automation-CNC machining can operate continuously and automatically, greatly improving production efficiency. Especially in mass production, CNC machine tools can complete machining tasks without human supervision, reducing manual intervention.

Ø Able to complete complex shape processing-CNC machining can easily complete the machining tasks of complex surfaces and irregular structures, while traditional manual machining is difficult to achieve such complex processes. CNC machine tools can perform multi axis linkage machining, realizing the machining of any complex shape in three-dimensional space.

Ø Flexible production-CNC machining has high flexibility and can quickly adjust machining parameters and programs to meet the production needs of different batches and varieties. This makes CNC machining particularly suitable for the multi variety, small batch production mode in modern manufacturing.

06-The Development Trend of CNC Machining

Ø With the continuous advancement of technology, CNC machining is developing towards intelligence, networking, and flexibility. In the future, CNC machining will increasingly adopt artificial intelligence and LOT technology to achieve adaptive machining, autonomous decision-making, and remote monitoring, further improving machining efficiency and quality.

Ø Intelligence-By introducing artificial intelligence technology, CNC machining can achieve automatic programming, real-time monitoring, and fault diagnosis, further enhancing the intelligence level of machining.

Ø Networking-Through the industrial Internet, CNC machine tools can realize remote monitoring and collaborative work, and improve production efficiency and management level.

Ø Flexibility-In the future, CNC machining will pay more attention to flexible production to meet the market's demand for multi variety and small batch production.