CNC machining processes include a variety of techniques, each with its own unique characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, and scope of application. The following is a discussion and comparison of some of the major CNC machining processes:
Milling is the process of removing material from a workpiece using a rotating multi-flute tool. The workpiece is fixed on a table and the tool is rotated by a spindle and moved along multiple axes to cut the material.
High precision: milling can achieve high dimensional accuracy and surface finish.
Complex geometries: suitable for machining complex 2D and 3D shapes.
Versatility: capable of machining flat surfaces, grooves, gears, spirals and curved surfaces.
Slower speeds: milling is slower compared to turning.
Tool wear: high hardness materials accelerate tool wear.
Prototyping Mold machining
Precision machining of complex parts
Turning is the process of removing material by rotating the workpiece and removing it with a single-edged tool. The workpiece is fixed on the spindle of the lathe and rotated, and the tool is moved axially and radially to cut the material.
High efficiency: suitable for fast machining of axisymmetric parts.
Good surface quality: high quality surface finish can be obtained.
Low cost: equipment and tooling costs are relatively low.
Limitations: mainly suitable for axisymmetric parts, not for complex geometries.
Lower flexibility: Turning is less flexible compared to milling.
Shaft parts
Disk parts
Threading
Grinding is a process that utilizes a high-speed rotating grinding wheel to remove trace amounts of material from the surface of a workpiece to achieve high precision and finish.
High Precision: It is possible to obtain extremely high dimensional accuracy and surface finish.
Suitable for hard materials: capable of machining very hard materials such as hardened steel and ceramics.
Finishing surfaces: suitable for precision finishing and surface treatment of parts.
Slow processing speed: relatively slow grinding speed.
High cost: Higher cost of grinding wheels and equipment.
Cooling required: Coolant is required during machining to prevent overheating of the workpiece and grinding wheel.
Parts with high surface finish requirements
High precision parts Hardened parts
EDM uses the high temperatures generated during the discharge process to melt and vaporize the surface material of the workpiece. There is a gap between the electrode and the workpiece in which the EDM occurs.
High precision and complex shapes: Suitable for machining complex shapes and microstructures.
Machining of hard materials: capable of machining extremely hard materials such as hardened steel, titanium alloys and carbide.
No mechanical stress: no mechanical force is applied during machining, which does not cause deformation of the workpiece.
Slow processing speed: EDM is slow compared to other machining methods.
High energy consumption: the machining process has high energy consumption.
Electrode Consumption: Electrode material will be gradually consumed during the machining process and needs to be replaced.
Complex molds
High precision parts
Hard material processing
