What is CNC Milling? A Full Guide here

Discover everything about CNC milling—from how it works to its benefits and applications in prototyping and manufacturing. Learn why CNC milling is essential for precision parts in various industries, brought to you by a leading China on-demand manufacturer.

5/31/20251 min read

Different Types of CNC Milling Operations

Milling on CNC machines has many processes tailored to particular manufacturing demands. The more common ones include:

i) Face Milling: This process produces a level surface by removing a thin material layer from the workpiece. This process is mostly done in the preparation stage of machining for workpieces.

ii) Plain Milling: Also referred to as slab milling, this means cutting layers adjacent to each other on a flat surface by a rotating cutter. This process is mostly used on big, flat parts that are simple in shape.

iii) Angular Milling: This method is applied when the tool head carrying the cutting tool is set in a tilted position, producing chamfered or slanted surfaces. Gears and several other parts with angles are manufactured by this method.

iv) Form Milling: In form milling, special cutters with particular shapes are used for the contouring processes. These include forming convex and concave shapes, as well as other free forms without additional machining.

v) Slot Milling: This operation works to create the specified width and depth by cutting a groove on the workpiece. It is necessary to make keyways, pockets, and channels in the components.

Each of those operations has a defined purpose to accomplish in CNC milling processes and provides versatility for fabricating different parts.