CNC milling machine: applications and sectors

CNC milling allows for a wide variety of modelling. Its versatility has allowed it to be adopted in industrial production in several sectors. 

In this article we report the most used applications and the sectors of use in which the milling machine has become fundamental within the industrial processing processes. 

Types of machining possible with CNC milling

CNC milling is used in a wide range of processes that require the removal of material from a blank to create specific shapes, surfaces or details. Some of the common processes for which CNC milling is used include:

• Contour milling: This involves milling precise contours on blanks to create specific shapes such as holes, grooves, pockets and complex profiles.
  
  
• Surface Milling: CNC milling can be used to create flat or curved surfaces. This may include trimming surfaces to make them uniform, creating inclined surfaces, or milling grooves.
  
  
• Milling three-dimensional shapes: Using special tools, CNC milling can create three-dimensional shapes on workpieces. This allows complex parts such as prototypes, models, moulds or machine components to be made.
  
  
• Thread milling: CNC milling can be used to create threads of different types, such as threaded holes (internal thread) or threaded bars (external thread).
  
  
• Milling of engravings and decorations: CNC milling is often used to make engravings, markings or decorations on the surfaces of workpieces, adding an aesthetic or functional touch.
  
  
• Milling of worktops: This type of machining involves the milling of worktops with high requirements of flatness and surface finish, ideal for the assembly and positional reference of other components.

These are just a few examples of the multiple applications of CNC milling. Thanks to its versatility and the possibility of working on different materials, CNC milling can be adapted to meet the specific needs of different sectors and productions.

Sectors that use CNC milling the most

CNC milling is widely used in different industrial sectors for the production of precision components and parts. Here are some of the industries that benefit most from CNC milling:

• Automotive industry: CNC milling is fundamental in the production of automotive components, such as motor shafts, pistons, gears, bearings, camshafts and much more. CNC milling allows the machining of high-strength materials such as steel and aluminium, ensuring the precision and quality required in the automotive sector.
  
  
• Aerospace: In the aerospace industry, CNC milling is essential for the production of complex and lightweight components, such as aircraft structural parts. Thanks to CNC milling, advanced materials such as titanium alloys and composites can be machined, ensuring a reduction in weight and greater strength of the parts.
  
  
• Energy industry: CNC milling is also widely used in the energy industry, both in the renewable energy sector and in the power plant sector. It is used for the production of wind turbine components, gas turbines, generators and other parts necessary for the production of energy.
  
  
• Medical sector: CNC milling plays a crucial role in the production of medical devices and customized prostheses. Thanks to its precision, CNC milling makes it possible to create complex components with complex shapes used in surgery, dentistry and in the production of custom-made prostheses.
  
  
• Mould industry: CNC milling is widely used in the production of moulds for the manufacturing industry. Thanks to this technology, it is possible to create moulds in high-performance and durable materials, creating extremely precise geometries.

Conclusions

CNC milling has revolutionised industrial production thanks to its precision, repeatability and versatility. Thanks to the use of CNC milling cutters, it is possible to process a wide range of materials, creating complex components with high quality standards. The industrial sectors mentioned above are just a few examples of the wide application of CNC milling, demonstrating how fundamental this technology is to modern industrial production.