When it comes to machining, there are many types of operations that can be utilized across manufacturing industries. Milling in particular is a highly versatile operation applied on CNC machining operation floors in the majority of fabrication facilities.

 

The precision, flexibility, speed, and quality that CNC milling provides is vital to the operations of the MultiSource Manufacturing LLC network. As a contract manufacturer, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive fabrication and assembly services from start to finish of any project, including complete CNC machining capabilities, engineering and design, a Class 1000 clean room workspace, plastic fabrication capabilities, finishing services, and much more.

 

Within each type of CNC machining operation, there are even more specialized techniques that can be applied depending on the format, materials, and desired end result. Milling, for example, has two primary techniques applied to the majority of situations when milling is appropriate. These two primary techniques are face milling and peripheral milling.

 

Face Milling

This milling operation works with the cutting mill positioned to be perpendicular against the component that will be worked on. The cutting mill spins on a central axis and moves to cut away sections of the component with its perpendicular motion. Face milling is considered to be the most common format for CNC operations. It is highly effective for rapid heavy-duty milling, high-feed milling, and other general face milling processes. Mills will typically use cutters at a 45º angle, but square shoulder and round insert cutters or side and face mills are utilized in other specific applications. 90º cutters are also useful for machining thin-walled components or components with weak fixtures.

 

Peripheral Milling

In contrast to face milling, peripheral milling places the cutting mill parallel to the component that will be machined. The cutting mill spins on an axis parallel to the component as it cuts away material from the work surface. When the mill is positioned this way, the full sides of the cutting mill are being applied to the work surface. This makes peripheral milling much more effective for rapidly removing large amounts of material from the work surface. Because of this, peripheral milling is useful for fabricating a basic component shape quickly, readying it for finer operations. It’s also used in large-scale milling or milling harder materials.

 

For visual reference, this diagram of peripheral and face milling shows a basic format for both CNC operations. Both face milling and peripheral milling are critical CNC machining operations used daily throughout operations in the MultiSource network. Our fully outfitted fabrication facilities have complete CNC machining capabilities in addition to our comprehensive design/build services.

CNC Machining Services

To learn more about CNC machining and our services, contact MultiSource Manufacturing LLC today at (952) 456-5500. To get started with the MultiSource network, request more information or request a quote online.