CNC Milling

CNC Milling

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Milling is the most common form of CNC. CNC mills can perform the functions of drilling and often turning. CNC Mills are classified according to the number of axes that they possess. Axes are labeled as x and y for horizontal movement, and z for vertical movement, as shown in this view of a manual mill table. A standard manual light-duty mill (such as a Bridgeport™) is typically assumed to have four axes:

Table x.
Table y.
Table z.
Milling Head z.

The number of axes of a milling machine is a common subject of casual "shop talk" and is often interpreted in varying ways. We present here what we have seen typically presented by manufacturers. A five-axis CNC milling machine has an extra axis in the form of a horizontal pivot for the milling head, as shown below. This allows extra flexibility for machining with the end mill at an angle with respect to the table. A six-axis CNC milling machine would have another horizontal pivot for the milling head, this time perpendicular to the fifth axis.

CNC milling machines are traditionally programmed using a set of commands known as G-codes. G-codes represent specific CNC functions in alphanumeric format.

FREE Publications

Negotiate Your Salary

Learn the best principles to negotiate the salary you deserve!

Essentials of Manufacturing

Information, coverage of important developments and expert commentary in manufacturing.

Injection Molding Design Guide

Guide for high quality and cost-effective plastic injection molding.

Metal 3D Printing Design Guide

Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) 3D printing for parts with reduced cost and little waste.

more publications


Processes Home
	Machining
	Introduction
	Drilling
	Turning
	Milling
	Cutters/Collets
	Collet Fixturing
	Special Cutter Fixtures
	Table Clamping Fixtures
	Rotational Indexers
	Milling:Design Rules
	CNC Milling
	Grinding
	Chip Formation
	Resources
	Bibliography