The Benefits of CNC Milling Over Traditional Machining
CNC (Computer Numerical Control) milling is a form of CNC machining that uses an automated CAD programme to cut and drill components.
CNC milling machines comprise of complex rotating cutters and are programmed to mill a solid piece of material (most commonly metal) on a range of axes (up to 6 axes on the most advanced machines) in both vertical and horizontal planes.
The result is a complex component that is produced to an extremely high level of precision for either a single bespoke part, a prototype or batch production of hundreds or thousands of components with no differentiation.
At F-Tech Precision Engineering we deliver CNC milling for rapid prototypes through to full-scale production in a range of materials including aluminium, mild steel, stainless steel, tungsten, magnesium castings and aluminium castings.
The advantages CNC milling over traditional machining methods include the following:
High Levels of Precision
Many of the sectors we work with at F-Tech Precision Engineering require components machined to extremely tight tolerances, and that’s what CNC milling can deliver.
Computer-controlled machines work to ± 0.005″ or 0.13mm across multiple planes, delivering precision that even the most experienced operator would be unable to match using manual milling equipment.
The complexity of the component has no impact on its precision as the dimensions are programmed to the CNC milling equipment direct from detailed CAD designs.
Exact Consistency
Many clients require multiple precise copies of the same component meaning that each individual component must be machined to exactly the same specifications.
CNC milling is an automated process, which means precision and consistency on virtually any number of parts. Each part the CNC machine produces uses exactly the same computer programming, which guides the cutting tools through the same precisely calibrated movements over and over again.
This means that clients can rely on the consistency of CNC milled components whether they need a production run of five or five thousand.
High Productivity
Unlike manual lathes or milling machines, CNC milling equipment can run around the clock, seven days a week if that’s what’s needed to meet requirements at scale to specific times requirements.
This is particularly true where precision engineering supplier has multiple CNC machines, all of which can be programmed to run using the same CAD software.
Whether for single rapid prototyping parts or larger scale production manufacturing, parts can be delivered on short lead times with precision and consistency using dedicated CNC milling facilities – and without compromising on quality.
Lower Costs
The cost of producing components using CNC machining is much lower once the capital outlay on the machinery itself is taken into account.
This is mainly due to the automated nature of the equipment, which means that a single skilled operative can operate multiple machines simultaneously, once they have been loaded with the CAD designs.
Manual machining, on the other hand, requires a skilled operator to be present for each individual machine.
Other ways CNC milling can help drive down production costs include the ability to deliver bulk orders and benefit from economies of scale, and the fact that parts can be produced at speed. Training costs for CNC milling engineers may also be lower due to the availability of online and virtual learning tools.
Lower Maintenance
The maintenance overhead of a CNC milling machine is relatively simple to carry out.
The software required to programme the machines themselves can be regularly and automatically updated, while the machines themselves can be cleaned regularly. The milling tools are also easily replaced as and when wear and tear dictates.
Greater Safety
The working environment is inherently safer when using CNC milling machines rather than the manual alternative as most modern CNC machines are enclosed.
This means that although engineers are needed to run and supervise the CNC milling machines, they can do so from a safe distance with minimal risk of direct contact with the machine while in operation.
This is in direct contrast to manual milling machines, which require the operator to be in close proximity with the cutting tools as well as any waste material which is ejected from the material being milled.
The same principle applies if a machining error or jam takes place, with the operator facing no risk of harm if the machinery malfunctions in some way.
Vast Versatility
Unlike manual machining, which is naturally limited by the skills of the operator and the limitations of the machines, CNC milling offers a virtually limitless degree of versatility.
Working across multiple axes means these machines can deliver hugely complex three-dimensional designs with bespoke features once programmed correctly.
In addition, the design can be changed quickly if the requirements of the client shift, meaning that it is possible to deliver a long production run of a particular component, followed by shorter production runs of additional components, simply by altering the programming of the CNC milling machine.
Summary and Conclusion
CNC milling offers a technically advanced alternative to manual machining which is superior in almost every respect. Working with state-of-the-art CNC milling equipment enables us to deliver a prototype for our clients no matter how complex the design, and, once approved, to move on to full production.
Unlike manual milling, CNC milling can operate continuously to deliver at speed and in bulk without compromising the quality of the components in question, and the results will be exactly the same for the thousandth item as they are for the first.
The ability to work at speed and scale delivers cost savings which can be passed on to clients and the versatility and precision of the equipment enables the production of a vast and diverse range of parts and components for every industry sector from power generation to transportation to marine and subsea equipment.
Next Steps
Find out more about the CNC milling facilities at F-Tech Precision Engineering. We understand how CNC Milling is done, what it can offer, and how to deliver at speed. With our experience we can offer expert precision engineering consultation, advising clients on improvements to manufacturing processes to increase efficiency and save money.
If you need precision engineering expertise from an experienced and quality-driven partner, please contact us on 01763 247458 or via email at enquiries@ftech-precisionengineering.co.uk.
