CNC milling machine

The milling machine is a machine tool for milling operations. In other words, it is used for machining workpieces by removing material. The main tool is the mill. The cutting is performed by rotation of the mill, which is usually tungsten carbide, a material particularly suitable for working on metal because to its hardness. The mill can have different forms: toric, conical, hemispherical, cylindrical... But the milling machine may be equipped with tools other than the mill. The drills, reamers, and taps can indeed take place on the machine tool, depending on the kind of machining to be performed. Whatever the tool fixed tothe milling machine, the principle of operation remains the same: the tool is attached to the axial spindle by means of a mandrel, a socket, or a morse taper. The tool and workpiece are mounted on slides and their moving is done according to three axes X, Y and Z (Z being the axis of rotation of the spindle, and the X and Y are put in a plan perpendicular to the Z axis). There are also models of milling machines having more than three axes. The CNC milling machine is a machine tool which basic operating principle is similar to that of a conventional milling machines, but which integrates in addition digital controls. The moving, rotation speed (adjustable according to the workpiece material) and the movements of tools are completely managed by digital control of the CNC milling machine. This type of machine intervenes on the complex shape mechanical parts, because the digital control is in charge of almost all tools movements according to the cutting operations, all of which is predefined in the computer program (in ISO computer language) associated to it. The CNC milling machines are available in the second-hand market. Brands like BC Technology, Bumotec, Fehlmann, ISPER, Kern, Zayer, Emco, Haas Automation, Mecanumeric, DMG MORI, Makino, and Deckel are well-known in this field. Before choosing a model, it is capital to make sure that it has been checked by real professionals who master both hardware and software aspects.