PRECISION CNC MILLING
Milling is one of the most essential precision CNC machining processes. At Steel Lavorazioni Meccaniche, we have been manufacturing high-quality components using various machining techniques for years. Over time, we have developed extensive expertise in CNC milling, ensuring precision, efficiency, and superior surface finishing.
The technical excellence of Steel Lavorazioni Meccaniche
Steel Lavorazioni Meccaniche is a leading company in precision machining, specializing in high-precision milling of mechanical components. Our machining processes stand out for their exceptional quality and accuracy, ensuring flawless results, even on complex materials.
With over 30 years of expertise and the use of cutting-edge technology, we provide tailor-made solutions for a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automation, recycling, and nuclear. For us, strict adherence to deadlines and certified industry standards is essential. This commitment to excellence and precision makes us the ideal partner for businesses in need of specialized precision machining solutions.
The milling process is a chip removal machining technique that enables the creation of various machined surfaces through the rotational motion of a multi-edge cutting tool.
Typically, the operation takes place in multiple stages: from roughing to finishing. The roughing phase allows for the rapid and cost-effective removal of large amounts of material. Finishing, on the other hand, ensures that the final product meets design specifications in terms of dimensions, tolerances, and surface roughness.
CNC milling allows for the creation of complex shapes and highly precise geometries while achieving excellent surface finishes. It is commonly used to produce simple and complex grooves with straight, helical, or curved profiles, chamfers, keyways, and slot cuts.
Thanks to its high precision, CNC milling is widely utilized in the production of mechanical components, machine parts, and aerospace components.
CNC MILLING COMPONENTS
When discussing CNC milling, it is essential to understand the machines and tools involved in the process.
The first key distinction to make is between the milling machine and the milling cutter.
The milling machine is the machine tool used for precision milling operations. It consists of:
Milling machines are classified into vertical and horizontal types based on the spindle orientation, allowing for different types of milling operations.
The milling cutter is the actual cutting tool that performs the milling operation. It is cylindrical in shape, with cutting teeth positioned along its circumference, enabling chip removal machining. Milling cutters come in different shapes, with varying numbers and arrangements of teeth, offering great flexibility and precision in material removal.
Milling cutters can be categorized into:
There are various types of milling cutters, each suited for specific machining operations. The most common include:
CNC MILLING: KEY MACHINING OPERATIONS
CNC milling enables a wide range of machining operations, including highly specialized processes. The most common include:
CHIP REMOVAL METHODS IN CNC MILLING
In CNC milling, chip removal is more complex than in turning due to the presence of multiple cutting edges and the intermittent nature of chip formation. Flat surface milling can be performed in one of two ways:
in this method, the milling cutter’s rotational axis is parallel to the machined surface.
here, the milling cutter’s rotational axis is perpendicular to the machined surface.
For machining more complex surfaces, a combination of these two methods is often used to achieve the desired precision and finish.
KEY CNC MILLING PARAMETERS
Now that we’ve defined CNC milling, let’s take a closer look at the essential machining parameters that must be adjusted to optimize the milling process.
CUTTING MOTION
A rotational and continuous motion of the milling cutter, measured by the cutting speed, expressed in meters per minute (m/min).
FEED MOTION
A linear or curved motion of either the tool or the workpiece, measured by the feed rate, expressed in millimeters per minute (mm/min).
DEPTH SETTING MOTION
Used to adjust the thickness of the material to be removed (stock removal), controlled either by the workpiece or the tool.
Since milling is a subtractive manufacturing process, the final component must fit within the initial raw material stock, from which excess material is removed.
THE FOLLOWING KEY MACHINING PARAMETERS MUST BE ADJUSTED ACCORDING TO THE MATERIAL BEING PROCESSED:
SPINDLE SPEED (RPM)
The number of rotations per minute completed by the milling cutter mounted on the spindle.
CUTTING SPEED (M/MIN)
The peripheral speed at which the cutting edge interacts with the workpiece.
FEED RATE (MM/MIN)
The rate at which the tool advances relative to the workpiece.
AXIAL DEPTH OF CUT (MM)
The amount of metal removed by the tool on the workpiece surface.
RADIAL WIDTH OF CUT (MM)
The width of the workpiece engaged in the cut by the milling cutter’s diameter.
These parameters are all interconnected and must be carefully selected based on the application type, material properties, and required surface finish. Proper machine setup is the most critical step in achieving high-precision machining results
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MILLING AND TURNING?
Both milling and turning are essential chip removal machining processes and play a key role in precision mechanical manufacturing. However, they differ in operation and material processing methods.
CNC MILLING
In CNC milling, the cutting tool (milling cutter) moves, while the workpiece remains stationary. The milling cutter rotates, shaping and machining the material through controlled movements. Milling cutters come in various types, selected based on the material being processed and the required finish.
CNC TURNING
In CNC turning, the workpiece rotates, while the cutting tool moves linearly to remove material. This process allows the workpiece to be shaped into the desired form and dimensions.
WHY CHOOSE STEEL LAVORAZIONI MECCANICHE FOR CNC MILLING?
For over 30 years, Steel Lavorazioni Meccaniche has provided its customers with specialized expertise and cutting-edge technology to manufacture high-precision mechanical components through advanced machining processes.
FULL SERVICE
The company offers a comprehensive service built on extensive experience in CNC milling and precision machining.
MULTI-SECTORAL APPROACH
A diverse customer portfolio has enabled the company to develop a multi-industry approach, gaining solid expertise in processing a wide variety of materials and manufacturing an extensive range of products.
RELIABILITY AND PRECISION
Steel Lavorazioni Meccaniche operates across multiple industries, including aerospace, food processing, automation, packaging, recycling, and nuclear energy. For these sectors, the company is committed to ensuring:
The company is certified to comply with the strict standards required by the aerospace, military, and nuclear industries, guaranteeing the highest levels of quality and reliability
All of this makes Steel Lavorazioni Meccaniche a leading company in the industry and the ideal solution for any industrial business requiring specialized machining services and