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The Art and Science of Precision CNC Milling: Exploring the Basics

Precision CNC milling is a very involved process in that it integrates both science and art. We will look at both aspects that make up this type of milling below.

Science of Precision CNC Milling

The science involves the fact that CNC milling is a kind of subtractive manufacturing process combining both Computer Numerical Control (CNC) and milling machines to complete the desired machining operation. During this process, the workbed moves along all of the x, y, and z axes while the rotating tool moves in and out of the work piece surface on one, two, or even more axes.

The science is that this process is controlled by computer programs that get fed the desired pattern or design the operator wants the machine to produce. Once the information is fed into the computer program, it takes over from there, not requiring any more human input. When the process is complete, the desired design is produced.

Art of Precision CNC Milling

While the computer program can control the machines to produce the desired design at a level of precision virtually no human labor could ever achieve, it still takes a human to determine what type of design needs to be produced based on the requirements and programming that into the machine. Without the human input, the machine would be unable to produce the desired design because the computer program would not be able to instruct the machine on how to proceed to obtain the desired design.