Process Guide: CNC Milling & Turning

Computer Numerical Control Milling and Turning (CNC)

If you need a precise, accurate prototyping technique that is also cost effective and time-efficient, there’s only one answer.

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) turning and milling delivers incredibly accurate, high quality parts with an excellent finish, and is ideal for one-off and multiple runs to be reproduced quickly and efficiently.

The real beauty of CNC is its ability to deliver accurate parts automatically and repeatedly. Once the programme commands are loaded to the machine, everything from tool changing to feed rates, speed and even the workpiece loading process is fully automated.

The result is pinpoint accuracy, consistency and quality, even on the most complex of concept models or parts. This process guide describes the advantages and applications of milling and turning, and how it can play a significant role in the production of prototypes models and finished parts.

What is CNC Milling and Turning?

CNC milling and turning is a fast and cost-effective method of producing highly accurate components with a high quality finish. The consistency of milling and turning is particularly useful for batch runs of multiple units.

CNC mills and lathes have programmable directions of motion called axes. Machine types include simple mills with linear and rotary movement, to lathes and more complex machines with multiple axes that can work multi-dimensionally.

Modern CNC systems in use at Prototype Projects use computer-aided design (CAD) and manufacturing (CAM) programmes to produce end-to-end component designs.

The CAD/CAM software is used to create computerised commands which are processed to the CNC machine, which then runs an automated process to carry out the required procedures. The aim is to produce a part which is an exact match of the original CAD design.

Throughout each automated step of the operation, a skilled engineer can ensure that the process is running to the exact specifications created in the original CAD/CAM programmes.

The CNC machine can then be programmed to repeat the process, allowing multiple instances of the same part to be replicated to the same specifications.

CNC Milling and Turning benefits

CNC milling and turning is the industry-standard method of producing high-quality components in almost all industries because of its:

Speed – The fully automated aspect of CNC milling and turning means that production times are cut dramatically
Accuracy – Through the use of computer CAD and CAM programming, it is possible to achieve incredible accuracy that is measured in microns
Repeatability – Once created, the programme can be used to produce exact copies of the original prototype to precise specifications
Quality control – The consistency of CNC milling and turning means that quality control for longer batch runs is easier to maintain
Cost-effectiveness – A programmable and repeatable system lowers the unit price of each part, making larger production runs easier to cost manage