Types of CNC Milling Machines

M&M Automatic Milling Types

The world of milling and machining was forever changed with the introduction of computer numerated control, otherwise known as CNC Milling. Computer numerated control is a process in which a computer takes input from a Computer Aided Design (CAD) software and converts it into numbers, which are then used as coordinates that control the movement of the cutter of the machine. Motion is created among multiple axes (a differing amount depending on the type of machine being used) and a spindle which is used to do the actual drilling.

Depending on the type of product being created and type of material being used, there are different CNC milling machines that are more preferable for different applications. The amount of axes being used, the amount of control needed for the machine and the size of the product being made will all have an impact on the type of machine being used. So, what type of machine is best for creating your product? Find out below.

Vertical Mill

The orientation of the mill being used has a great affect on the product being made. A vertical mill simply means that the spindle axis on the mill is vertically oriented. Milling cutters are positioned on the spindle of the vertical mill, allowing the machine to easily cut into the material as needed. The shape, angle, and size of the milling cutter are all dependent on the type of product being made, with the different characteristics amounting to different textures and coatings.

Turret Mill

Whether or not the spindle is mobile is dependent upon the type of vertical mill being used. With a turret mill, the spindle is stationary while the table below it moves both perpendicular and parallel to the spindle axis. A quill is usually found in turret mills, which allows the milling cutter to move up and down as needed. The turret mill allows items to be vertically cut either by the milling cutter moving vertically or the table moving vertically. The turret mill is the most versatile vertical mill; however, they are most effective when the machines remain relatively small, so that the tables and the spindle have easier mobility.

Bed Mill

A bed mill is similar to a turret mill, however, the table of the machine only moves perpendicular to the spindle, opposed to perpendicular and parallel. The spindle is the only part of the machine that moves parallel to the axis, creating a more confined production. Bed mills are also considered to be more rigid than a turret mill.

Horizontal Milling

Horizontal mills function almost the same way as vertical mills, except that the cutters are mounted on a horizontal arbor. Instead of drilling into an object, an arbor shaves unwanted material from a project off, which is why it’s horizontal instead of vertical. Horizontal mills also include a universal table, which allows the product to be cut at various angles and adds to the versatility of the machine.

Generally, horizontal mills are used to cut grooves and slots into a product. However, specialty cutters can also be used to cut bevels and radii, but these specialty cutters tend to be more expensive. Horizontal mills are most commonly used to cut gears.

Why CNC Machining Still Reigns Over 3-D Printing

M&M Automatic Turning Machine

In the last couple years, 3-D printing has been getting a lot of publicity in the machining and manufacturing industry for its ability to print an image into a physical part, such as connectors, screws and nozzles. While, this technique provides a new and unique perspective on manufacturing, there are a number of areas in which 3-D printing falls short in comparison to traditional cnc machining practices. Here we’re detailing our three main areas in which cnc machining still reigns over 3-D printing today when it comes to manufacturing parts and components.

1. Unmatched Speed

CNC machining works on the premise of subtracting or removing to create the desired part. By using this approach, cnc machinists are able to manufacture parts very quickly. While on the other hand, 3-D printing works on the premise of building or adding to something in order to create a product, making it a much more time-intensive process.

2. Unmatched Flexibility

With 3-D printing, you can currently only work with materials such as ABS plastic, PLA plastic, and some metals. While it may be possible to print with a desired metal, cnc machining can achieve a stronger, more durable and cleaner product when finished that most standard 3-D printers cannot.

3. Unmatched Quality

CNC machining offers precise machining capabilities that allow you to determine what type of quality of part you need, depending on the purposes it will serve. It even allows you to vary that quality within different areas of the part, giving you the precise measurements, look and feel for your application. On the other hand, 3-D printing works on the premise of building layers and utilizing layers to build a product (smaller layers are stronger than larger layers). Because it cannot vary the height of those layers without completely compromising the product, you are not able to change the quality of different areas within a part, further eliminating customizability.

The Takeaway:

3-D printing may be the newest trend in prototyping and part manufacturing, but nothing beats the quality, precision, speed and flexibility of cnc machining and manufacturing. Whether you’re looking for a complex part that’s never been made before or a stock piece for your machining equipment, cnc machining can provide the best part to get the job done.

The Benefits of Outsourcing Your Precision CNC Machining Needs

M&M Automatic CNC Machining

For both small and large companies, keeping operating low and profit return high is essential to becoming a lean, thriving business. One of the ways that many companies have successfully cut costs is through outsourcing manufacturing parts for their business to other companies within the United States. But does it really make sense in the long run? Reduced operating costs, increased product support and manufacturing expertise are all benefits of outsourcing CNC parts manufacturing.

No Equipment or Additional Costs

The biggest advantage of outsourcing all your precision CNC machining needs is the mere “price” of owning, operating and housing the equipment. This particular machining equipment can be very expensive to own and operate, starting with the purchase and maintenance of a company-owned machine to paying a trained CNC machinist to operate it.

While some companies require a steady production of parts for their products and services, most don’t utilize the machine enough to justify the cost of owning a machine. Through outsourcing the part manufacturing, companies can eliminate the extra costs associated with owning, operating and maintaining CNC machining equipment.

Complete Part Support & Customer Service

What if the parts you’ve designed aren’t working within the system or equipment like you need them to? When you manufacture these parts in-house, it’s up to you and your team to figure out a solution. On the other hand, when you hire a CNC machining company, you are provided complete support and customer service for all of your parts and components by top engineering experts.

CNC Design & Manufacturing Expertise

Not everyone is capable of designing and fabricating the parts that make your systems and machines run correctly. It takes a team of experienced machinists and engineers to ensure that your parts fit and work as you’ve designed them. If you aren’t equipped with engineers that know the exact dimensions or core materials that you’ll be needing, a team of contract machinists that focus solely on designing and developing these products everyday is the best way to go.