High-speed CNC milling

CNC machining for best results and cycle times

Versatile milling machines and machining centres

The key to efficient high-speed CNC milling is surface quality and flexibility. To achieve them, manufacturers need a milling machine, or machining centre, with a high-speed spindle, intelligent software and a versatile CNC capable of getting the most out of their milling processes in the face of changing material and production requirements. The ability to produce sophisticated contoured parts using a single machine is also extremely useful. In this regard, support for 5-axis functionality dramatically increases the range of CNC milling processes that can be completed on one machine. But to ensure that these features have a positive impact on manufacturers’ bottom lines, one more element is required – rock solid reliability.

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Features that support flexible high-speed CNC milling

Smart CNC milling for maximum productivity

On high-volume production runs, parts per hour is all that really counts. For example, to achieve fast cycle times, you need to optimise your high-speed CNC machining processes using intelligent functionality that anticipates and learns. Good support for your applications helps to underscore this even more.

Flexible shop floor programming

If you are mass-producing components but need to produce different parts from time to time, you will benefit from the ability to:

program on the machine
create machining cycles for applications such as cutting pockets, grooving, drilling or contouring
program measurement cycles
set zero points
estimate the time of a part program/machining time
measure the workpiece or the tool

Non-stop CNC machining

To maximise production you will need intelligent software functions that prevent damage to high-speed CNC milling machines and tools and stop you having to slow down or perhaps even interrupt the production process. Equally important is the ability to carry out intelligent preventive maintenance and get access to good maintenance services and parts. You will probably also want to choose a very reliable CNC with the highest MTBF you can find.

Calibrating your CNC milling machine

To benefit from consistent repeatability and accuracy you will need to be able to calibrate your CNC milling machine - especially the rotary axis on 5-axis machining applications - from time to time and be capable of doing it yourself.

Motors - the key to reliable CNC milling

Depending on what and how much you produce, your CNC milling machine will need a motor capable of maximising output. More importantly still, it will need to keep on running no matter how many hours it operates. To find the right motor for you, you are best off talking to a reputable supplier with an extensive range of proven motors and spindles.

Optimise your cycle times using smart automation

Adding robots is a great way of increasing throughput on repetitive machining processes. Cycle times can be further improved by using smart software to streamline robots with your machining centre. This could, for instance, allow tending robots to control the machine tool’s door and improve productivity by increasing their ingress and egress speeds.

Use smart safety

Intelligent safety features supported by some CNCs make it possible to operate a machine tool with the door open or a tending robot without safety fences.

Onboard technology for better CNC milling

Large or complex parts

Large or complex parts such as blisks or impellers take a long time to process and carry an increased risk of tool breakage. Should a breakage force you to stop machining, special software enables you to restart the machining process quickly from exactly the same point, saving you time and maintaining your production schedule.

React quickly

You need to know the minute a tool breakage or similar issue upsets or stops production. Some CNCs send you a text message or email the moment this happens and even enable you to monitor the status of your machine via the Internet.

Easy tool management

High-speed milling large or complex parts often requires you to have a lot of different tools in your changer. Intelligent functionalities help optimise these processes by monitoring tools and managing tool changing operations.

Consistent accuracy

Depending on the material being machined, thermal growth during extended milling processes can affect the radius and/or length of the tool and spindle. Intelligent thermal control and compensation functions on advanced CNC milling machines account for this, guaranteeing you repeatable accuracy whatever the process.