CNC PRECISION MILLING

Multi-Axis Control

In the industry we commonly talk about 3-axis, 4-axis and 5-axis machines, which can cause a bit of confusion. Following is a quick overview of the differences.

3-Axis Milling

» Means the tool can travel along three axes (directions) of motion, called X, Y, and Z

• Tool Motion: left to right, front to back, up and down
• Workpiece Motion: none
• Benefits: good for flat surfaces & simple geometries

4-Axis Milling

» Means the tool can travel along the three X, Y and Z axes; AND the workpiece rotates around one axis, called the A-axis

• Tool Motion: left to right, front to back, up and down
• Workpiece Motion: one axis
• Benefits: permits more complex features without manually repositioning the workpiece

5-Axis Milling

» Means the tool can travel along the three X, Y and Z axes; AND the workpiece rotates both A and B axes

• Tool Motion: left to right, front to back, up and down
• Workpiece Motion: two axes
• Benefits: permits both the tool and the workpiece to move simultaneously across 5 axes and allows the production of highly intricate and curved parts with great accuracy

EMI's stable of more than two dozen milling machines includes 3-, 4- and 5-axis CNC machines, many of which feature pallet systems for automating long production runs. No matter the simplicity or complexity of your part, EMI can handle the job and will assign it to the appropriate machine to keep your costs low for any volume you need.

Our expertise allows us to machine parts with tolerances as tight as ±0.0001″ (±0.00254 mm).

Mill-Turn Centers

EMI's roster also includes a range of machines that combine both milling and turning.

As you might imagine, mill-turn centers include both milling and turning operations. Milling uses a rotating cutting tool on the workpiece, while with turning the cutting surface does not rotate.

The benefits of using a mill-turn machine are shorter cycle times, reduced material handling and increased precision for parts that require both operations.

EMI can select from more than a half dozen mill-turn centers on our floor to complete your complicated parts quickly and efficiently.

Horizontal and Vertical Mills

Depending on the orientation of the spindle and cutting tools, mills can be classified as their horizontal or vertical.

Horizontal mills generally are used for larger and heavier parts, for applications that require a large about of material to be removed from the workpiece, and for larger production volumes.

Vertical mills are used for smaller and lighter pieces, workpieces that require more precise cuts, and for shorter production runs.

Because EMI has both horizontal and vertical mills, we can bring the right machine to bear to complete your project on time and on budget.

Face and End Milling

Face milling rapidly and efficiently removes material from flat surfaces and is typically used with horizontal mills. End milling are generally run on vertical machines and is used to make slots, pockets, grooves, profiles and other complex geometries.

Depending on your project, EMI might choose to use face milling or end milling operations to get the job done.