Custom CNC milling is one of the most important processes that companies depend on and uses computer numerical control technology, or CNC. Some examples of other processes include custom CNC cutting, lathing, turning, routing, drilling, welding, and more.
What Is Custom Metal Milling?
Something worth noting is that along with metal, CNC milling works on other hard workpieces such as wood. For this process, a CAD or CAM computer program generates a code based on the customer’s specifications. A skilled operator then enters that code, and once complete, the milling machine follows the instructions provided.
Custom milling is completely automated. After setting the program, this machine is positioned with a vertical or horizontal orientation. Either way, the machine cuts material away from a workpiece based on a pre-determined design. Depending on the company that provides the custom milling services, some offer design and engineering assistance if the customer needs help.
Milling is so powerful that some companies can produce anywhere from one to more than 200 machined products in a single day, which goes to show just how reliable and fast it can be. CNC milled products reach across multiple industries. For example, this machine and process create parts and components for aircrafts, automobiles, engines, and more. Milling also produces cooking utensils, light fixtures, door handles, medical devices, optical reflectors, and the list goes on. Along with a broad reach, the finished products are precise.
The actual milling process is relatively similar to CNC drilling and cutting. For that reason, it can achieve many of the same operations. Just as with drilling, CNC milling utilizes a cylindrical cutting tool that rotates. With each rotation, the tool removes unwanted material from the workpiece. Custom milling is incredibly accurate, making it perfect for small and large finished products.
The milling process requires four things: a CNC machine, workpiece, whether metal, wood or plastic, a fixture, and a cutter. With the four components combined, a professional company can create precision prototypes and products to tight tolerances as small as 0.005 inches in some cases.
For superior custom CNC drilling services, milling services, turning services, and more, our team of experts at NexGen Machine would love the opportunity to assist you in your projects. To get details about our company and the products and services we offer, you can browse our website. If you prefer a one-on-one conversation, please feel free to give us a call.