The acronym CNC stands for “computer numerical control”. Automation permits the process of milling to occur more rapidly and more uniformly within fabrication environments.
A CNC milling machine relies upon a computer processing unit to direct the movements of the milling cutter blade along coordinates within a numerical grid system. Many of these machines utilize a vertical grid (although CNC mills using horizontal grids also exist).
A modern CNC mill usually consists of a fixture, a sophisticated controller unit and interface technology, one (or more) milling cutter tools, a motorized drive system, a cooling system and an electrical system to handle inputs and outputs. Typically, a software program will direct the machine’s movements. A CNC mill allows an operator to cut along arcs more easily.
Modern CNC milling devices fall into groups based upon the capabilities of the milling machines. Today, companies engaged in manufacturing may rely upon very advanced computer numerical control milling machines to generate large quantities of uniform metal components.
Typically, manufacturers classify these machines based upon the number of axes available to the rotary cutting tool. Machines today usually offer between 3 and 5 axes at a minimum:
The machine offers X and Y horizontal movements, plus a Z axis allowing up and down movement.
Some modern CNC milling machines also furnish a W axis to permit easier diagonal movements of the cutting tool over a vertical plane, in addition to standard 3 axis CNC X, Y, and Z movement.
A machine offering a variety of cutting angles, and therefore typically requiring CAM (“computer aided mapping”) programming capabilities. A program translates computer assisted drafting designs into 3-D models. These sophisticated machining tools use a standard 4 axis CNC format (X,Y,Z, and W axes), plus the ability to cut at a variety of angles. A 5 axis CNC machine offers capabilities to form very complicated, intricate shapes from a multitude of angles. By swiveling the angles of cutting blades, the milling machine spindles permit the reproduction of complex shapes accurately.
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