CNC Milling Services

A&M provide accurate and fast CNC milling services, supplying components for various for notable clients in industries such as automotive, nuclear, marine and aerospace.

CNC milling is a machine process used for making parts by progressively removing material from a workpiece by rotating multi-point cutting tools which are operated by a computer-controlled programme.

Originally, milling was a manual task performed by engineers using handheld tools. This did, however, increase the likelihood of errors and meant a slower production time.

Today, technology has progressed to the CNC mills we have at A&M.

These use Computer Numerical Controls (CNC) to control the milling operations, improving accuracy to ensure the exact dimensions specified are met.

CNC Milling Process

A CNC milling job incorporates several stages. First, a CAD (computer-aided design) model must be produced, which provides the CNC machine with a technical drawing of the workpiece. Our highly equipped design engineers convert the CAD model into a CNC program, to ensure the milling machine knows the precise dimensions required for the component.

The milling machine is then set up and programmed, and the milling operation takes place. The length of the process depends on whether a component is being manufactured from start to finish, or if it just a finishing operation.

We provide both options and depending on the size and scale of the workpiece, we will discuss the turnaround time.

Roughing is the initial step of the milling process; cutting small pieces from the worked object to form the approximate shape or form desired.

Finishing completed the job, going from approximate to precise. The milling is more delicate when finishing and can take several repeats until meets the specifications are met. The more complex the job, the more milling repeats will be required. But with our milling machinery, we can guarantee the components will match specifications.

 

3, 4, 5-Axis Milling

A&M have an extensive range of CNC milling machines available with 3 to 5 axis. The X-axis and Y-axis represent horizontal movement (side-to-side and forward-and-back), and the Z-axis represents vertical movement (up-and-down).

The W-axis represents diagonal movement across a vertical plane. In more basic CNC milling machines, horizontal movement is possible in two axis (XY), whilst in our advanced models, there are several additional axis of motion, such as 3, 4, and 5-axis CNC machines.

These are some of the advantages of each milling machine:

3-Axis

• Most metal machining needs
• Suitable for cutting sharp edges, drilling holes, milling slots
• Simplest machine setup

4-Axis

• Greater range of materials including aluminium
• Greater functionality than 3-axis machines
• Higher levels of precision and accuracy than 3-axis machines

5-Axis

• Multiple axis configurations (e.g., 4+1, 3+2, or 5)
• Suitable for advanced precision work for example aerospace components
• Greatest functionality and capabilities
• Faster speeds than 3-axis and 4-axis machines
• Highest levels of quality and precision

CNC Milling Services

Developing Tooling Techniques

At A&M, we have made major efforts to maximise the effective potential of our Hurco machines, having invested in Shrink Fit and tool holding technology to improve the tool life and reduce set up times allowing faster repeat operations.

Our research also enables us to predict the life cycle of a tip before it breaks resulting in fewer tool breakages. Applying this analysis has seen production times reduced by 40% and allows us to run milling machinery overnight without supervision, which is crucial to us meeting production deadlines.

CNC Milling Frequently Asked Questions

The CNC milling process typically begins with the design stage: using CAD to draw out a 2D or 3D model of the desired product. Following this, the CAD will be converted into instructions which can be read by a computer (a CNC programme).

Once the milling machine and workpiece are prepared, the CNC programme can be activated, allowing for the machining of the workpiece.