CNC milling belongs to the machining process, it can be used to create complex 3D shapes or to apply a machined feature or surface to parts for both plastics and metals. The machinery is the most important element for the process of milling, Premium precision machine inc uses multi-axis milling machines includes the 3&4&5 axis that creates many different parts types and features of complex geometries. That means can be slots, angled shapes, holes, curves, circulars, and channels.

How Does CNC Milling Work?

CNC milling is a certain type of CNC machining services, a machining process suitable for high accuracy and high tolerance parts in prototype and small to medium production runs. Some milling machines can achieve tolerances of up to and greater than +/- 0.005mm. The versatility of the milling process allows it to be used in a wide range of industries and for a variety of part features and designs, including slots, chamfers, threads, and pockets. The most common CNC milling operations include Face milling, Angular milling, Form milling, Plain milling.

CNC milling is often grouped by the number of axis, from 3 to 5 axis. Each axis is labeled using a specific letter. For instance, X and Y axis stands for the horizontal movement of the mill's workpiece. The Z-axis designates vertical movement and the W axis represents the diagonal movement across the vertical plane.

Advantages Of Premium's Precision CNC Milling

Most materials are available

Metal: Aluminum, Steel, Stainless Steel, Magnesium, Titanium, Zinc, Brass, Bronze, Copper

Plastic: ABS, PC, ABS+PC, PP, PS, POM, PMMA (Acrylic), PAGF30, PCGF30, Teflon, DHPE, HDPE, PPS, PEEK

Finishing option to meet your part property

Anodized, Powder coating, Electroplating, Hardness, Black Oxide, High polish, Bead blasting, Silk-screen, Painting, Nitriding and clients required

Features

Deburring, Drilling, Tapping, Knurling, Threading, Reaming, Milling, Grinding

Maximum Dimensions & Fast Turnaround

Maximum Dimensions: 200mm*300mm*45mm

Fast Turnaround: Min 3 days

Minimum Tolerance

Metal: +/-0.005mm

Plastic: +/-0.02mm

What is the difference between CNC milling and CNC lathe?

First of all, to understand the difference between CNC lathes and milling machines, simply said, the CNC lathe is to machining the round parts, milling machine is to machining plane parts, the difference between CNC turning and milling is which part actually moves – the machine itself or the raw material. CNC milling is part rotation, CNC milling is tool rotation, the part does not rotate.

Material Selection of CNC Milling Service

CNC precision milling and machining are indeed common manufacturing processes, offering rapid production with minimal human input. Aluminum is most common in CNC milling processes due to its excellent machinability, workability and versatility. It is generally able to be machined quicker than other materials. Parts made from aluminum form a protective layer when exposed to the environment, which leads to extra strength and corrosion resistance. Except for aluminum, steel and stainless steel are engineered for premium machinability, steel is typically used for parts that require enhanced formability and stronger welds. The best applications of this material include commercial products, parts that require strong welds, gears and shafts, along with other high stress applications. Stainless steel can be heat treated and supply corrosion resistant properties and with a superior strength-to-weight ratio that is commonly used in the automotive and aerospace industry.

There are lots of options of materials for CNC milling technology, please see the brief introduction below and check which material you should choose for your application.

Properties of Metal CNC Milling Service

Material	Grade	Hardness	Strength	Machinability	Typical applications
Aluminum	5083	Low	Medium	★★★★★	Marine applications, Construction, Pressure vessels
	6061	Medium	Medium	★★★★★	General-purpose, Aircraft components, Automotive parts, Bicycle frames, Food containers
	6082	Medium	Medium	★★★★★	General-purpose, Automotive parts, Food containers
	7075	Medium	High	★★★★	Aircraft & aerospace components, Automotive parts, Marine applications, Sports equipment
Stainless Steel	303	High	High	★★★	Aircraft components, Machine parts, Nuts, bolts, gears, bushings
	304	Medium	High	★★	General-purpose, Medical devices, Food industry, Marine applications, Chemical processing
	316	Medium	High	★★	Food preparation equipment, Marine applications, Architecture, Surgical implants, Chemical containers
Mild Steel	1018	Medium	Medium	★★★	General-purpose, Machinery parts, Jigs & fixtures
	1045	High	Medium	★★	General-purpose, Machinery parts
	A36	Medium	High	★★★	Construction, Machinery parts, Jigs & fixtures
Alloy Steel	4140	High	Medium	★★	General-purpose, Machinery parts, Tooling
Alloy Steel	4340	High	High	★★	Aircraft landing gear, Power transmission, Tooling
Tool Steel	D2	Very High	High	★	Cold-working tooling, Dies & stamps, Cutting tools & knives
	A2	Very High	High	★	Cold-working tooling, Dies & stamps
	O1	Very High	High	★	Mechanical parts, Valves & nozzles, Architecture
Brass	C36000	Medium	Medium	★★★★★	Mechanical parts, Valves & nozzles, Architecture

Properties of Plastic CNC Milling Service

Material	Strength	Operating temperature	Machinability	Typical applications
Polycarbonate (PC)	High	Up to 120℃	★★	Architecture, Automotive, Electronic enclosures, Food containers
ABS	Medium	Up to 60℃	★★★	Automotive, Electronic enclosures, Pipes & fittings, Consumer products
Nylon	High	Up to 100℃	★	Automotive parts, Mechanical parts, Fasteners
POM	Medium	Up to 82℃	★★★★	Mechanical parts, Electronic enclosures, Bushings & fittings
PTFE(Teflon)	Low	Up to 260℃	★★★★	High-temperature applications, Chemical processing, Electronic enclosures, Food processing
PEEK	High	Up to 260℃	★★	Medical applications, Chemical processing, Food processing, High-pressure valves
HDPE	Low	Up to 80℃	★	Chemical containers, Pipes & fittings, Consumer products