Making products for a variety of purposes is easier with a CNC milling machine. Milling machines are very versatile and have a number of features that allow them to work material very effectively and shape it, especially when precisely controlled by computer numerical control (CNC) technology. There are two distinct types, the vertical milling machine and the horizontal milling machine, and which one you choose depends on what type of project you’re working on, and the goal for your finished product.
About CNC Milling Machine
A CNC mill is sort of like an automated sculptor. It chips away pieces of metal, wood or plastic from a block of raw material to leave the desired shape behind. The machines use rotary cutters and tools of different sizes and shapes, sometimes even with an automatic tool changer so that changes can be made easily during the process. As part of a CNC machine, the mill can do precision cuts to a pre-set computer blueprint automatically, allowing a perfect shape to be cut over and over again relatively quickly.
Vertical Milling Machines
Vertical milling machines have a vertically oriented spindle axis on which the cutters rotate. The bed mill and the turret mill are both types of vertical milling machines. These types of machines are best for more compact work, such as diesinking, where the operator can look down on the cutting action.
Horizontal Milling Machines
In horizontal milling machines, the cutters are spread across the table on a horizontal arbor. The arbor allows bigger and wider cutters to be used that can remove large amounts of material at once. Horizontal mills are perfect for longer and heavier pieces of work.
Uses for CNC Milling Machines
The types of pieces that can be made by a CNC milling machine are virtually limitless. In the aerospace industry, everything from manifolds to landing struts can be made on a CNC mill. Similarly, engine parts and gears for automobiles, agricultural equipment and construction (both original and aftermarket) can be milled. CNC mills are also perfect for making tools and surgical implements. More detailed parts like cell phone components, light fixtures, mainframes, optics housings and television components can also be made easily with CNC milling machine.
To get a look at the types of milling machines available and their capabilities, visit Kaufman makes all kinds of industrial machines, including mills and boring machines – so you are sure to find the equipment you need for your production.
