CNC Milling

CNC milling removes material from a stationary or repositioned workpiece using computer-controlled cutting tools. It is one of the most versatile manufacturing methods for prototype development, custom parts, and repeat production.

Common machine configurations include 3-axis vertical machining centers, horizontal machining centers, and multi-axis milling systems. The appropriate configuration depends on part geometry, accessibility, batch size, and required accuracy.

Typical CNC milling applications include:

• Precision brackets and structural components.
• Machine housings and equipment enclosures.
• Mounting plates and fixtures.
• Mold inserts and tooling components.
• Mechanical assemblies with pockets, slots, and threaded holes.

Suitable materials include aluminum, stainless steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, brass, titanium, and engineering plastics such as POM, PEEK, and nylon.

Typical machining tolerances may range from ±0.10 mm for general features to ±0.02 mm or tighter for selected precision dimensions. Actual achievable tolerances depend on material, feature geometry, machine condition, workholding, and inspection capability.

Part size, pocket depth, minimum internal corner radius, wall thickness, and tool accessibility can significantly influence manufacturing feasibility and cost.

For quotation, buyers should provide a STEP model, dimensioned technical drawing, material grade, quantity, dimensional tolerances, surface roughness requirements, and finishing instructions.

Secondary operations may include deburring, tapping, reaming, heat treatment, anodizing, plating, or grinding.

Quality requirements may include first article inspection, CMM measurement, thread verification, surface finish inspection, and material traceability.

Metraxio helps buyers define CNC milling requirements and obtain comparable manufacturing proposals based on technical specifications rather than incomplete part descriptions.

CNC milling is used on aluminum alloys such as 6061, 6082 and 7075, stainless steels such as 304, 316 and 303, carbon and alloy steels, brass, copper and titanium, and engineering plastics such as POM, nylon and PEEK. The grade and temper belong in the requirement. A material that is technically millable is not a claim that every facility machines it.

Feasibility depends on tool access, internal corner radius, pocket depth, wall thickness, workholding faces and which features must hold a tight tolerance. A general pocket and a bearing bore are not the same machining problem. Surface roughness, burr limits and thread depth should be on the drawing. Metraxio does not publish a universal milling tolerance, because the result depends on the feature, the material and the equipment.

Start a manufacturing project with a STEP or STP model, a PDF drawing, the material grade, the quantity, the critical tolerances, the surface finish, and any heat treatment or coating. Add the delivery destination and name a certification only when the part actually requires it. The capability on this page is a suggestion for review. It does not create a quotation.