What is CNC milling and what are the advantages

CNC milling, an acronym for Computer Numerical Control, is a mechanical machining process in which a milling machine is controlled by a computer to remove material from a piece of raw material. CNC milling is widely used in the manufacturing industry to create parts and components with high precision and repeatability.

In addition to the milling machine, the most commonly used CNC machines include the drilling machine and the lathe.

However, it is important not to confuse CNC machines with robots, as the two technologies are very different. While the robot is able to solve unforeseen events and circumvent obstacles autonomously, CNC machines require monitoring by an operator.

Applications of CNC milling

The most common applications of CNC milling include the production of components for the automotive, aerospace, electronics, medical and many other industries. CNC milling machines can be used to make complex parts such as gears, shafts, turbine shells, prototypes, moulds and much more. Their flexibility allows you to work on a wide range of three-dimensional geometries.

The materials on which the CNC milling machine can be used

As for materials, CNC milling can be used on a wide range of materials, such as aluminium, stainless steel, titanium, brass and alloys, as well as non-metallic materials such as plastic, wood and even foam. CNC milling machines can be configured with specific tools to work with different materials, offering great versatility.

The advantages of CNC milling

The use of the CNC milling machine brings several advantages to industries. 

Below is a list of the main benefits at the production level.

Accuracy and repeatability

Numerical control allows you to produce parts with high precision, ensuring accurate measurement and high quality of the finished product. In addition, computerized programming allows you to easily reproduce the same operations on multiple pieces.

Automation

Once the CNC program has been created, the machine can work autonomously without requiring constant supervision by the operator. This increases efficiency and productivity.

Flexibility and complexity

CNC milling machines can perform a wide range of operations, including machining complex and detailed geometries. This allows parts to be made with custom shapes and reduces the need for special or complicated equipment.

Reduced production times

Thanks to precision and automation, CNC milling can greatly reduce production times compared to traditional methods. This is particularly advantageous for mass production.

Smaller margin of error

Because CNC milling is performed in a computerized manner, the margin of human error is minimized. This results in a lower likelihood of errors and production scraps.

Conclusions

In summary, CNC milling is a computer-driven mechanical machining process that offers precision, automation, flexibility, and reduced production times. This technology is widely used in different industries to create parts and components with high quality and efficiency.

To date, CNC milling is widely used in different sectors such as automotive, aerospace, energy, medical and many others.