CNC Milling

At SMI Verspaning we offer several milling services: 3-axis, 5-axis and 5-axis simultaneous. Milling is the machining process of using rotary cutters/tools to remove material from a single piece of metal by advancing in a direction at an angle with the axis of the tool. The result is a product created out of a single piece of metal, this way parts do not need to be welded together which increases the strenght and durability of the products.

Machining covers a wide variety of different operations and machines, it can be done on a small scale creating individual parts and up to large, heavy-duty milling operations. It is one of the most common used processes in industry today for machining parts with complex sizes and shapes.

Two different methods are used: manual or computer numerial controlled (CNC). Our machines are completely computer controlled to achieve the best precision and create highly advanced sizes and shapes. With automatic tool systems, tool magazines, coolant systems and enclosures, our machines are the core of our business.

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3 or 5 axis milling

Depeding on the requirements and final product, SMI Verspaning can mill on all axis: 3 axis, 5 axis or 5 axis simultaneous. For 3-axis milling, the mill moves across the X, – Y and Z axis. The product is only processed from above, with the mill perpendicular to the product. When more than one side of the product needs to processed, with 3 axis milling this means that the product needs to be relocated.

For 5-axis milling, it is possible to process the product on 5 sides in one session. When 3-axis milling would be used, 5 different milling session are required to achieve the same result. When more than 1 side needs to be processed, 5 axis milling is adviced as it is faster, more accurate, higher tolerances, and smaller error margin.

With 5-axis milling, the fifth axis is created by the rotating platform however the platform and cutting tool can not move at the same time. While with 5-axis simultaneous milling all axes can move simultaneously which means that the rotating cutting tool is working together with the platform. When curved products are needed such as propeller blades of yachts, 5 axis simultaneous milling is the perfect solution.

Not sure what the best solutions is for you? One of advisors can provide you with all the information needed.

The Process

Milling is a cutting process that uses a milling cutter/tool to remove material from the surface of a single piece of metal or workpiece. The milling cutter is a high speed rotating cutting tool, that slowly and with high precision cuts away the unnecessary material. Compared to drilling where the tool is advanced along its rotation axis, milling usually moves perpendicular to its axis so that cutting occurs on the side of the cutter. There are two major classes of milling process: face milling and peripheral milling each with their own purpose.

When the milling starts, the teeth of the tool repeatedly cuts into the material, shaving off small parts from the workpiece each time it moves along the material. At SMI Verspaning our machines are equipped with a wide range of different tools to provide the required solution.

CNC operating

Our 3 axis CNC milling machines are fully computer controlled with the ability to move the head vertically along the Z-axis. This makes it possible to create for example engravings and cavities in metal blocks. Thanks to our wide range of milling tools, the milling precision and efficiency is much higher compared to alternative milling equipment.

Our most advanced DMU 80P Duoblock milling machines adds two more axes in addition to the three normal axes (XYZ). 5 axis milling machines also have a C or Q axis, allowing the mounted workpiece to be rotated,. The fifth axis (B axis) controls the tilt of the tool itself. When all of these axes can simultaneously, complex (organic shaped) geometries can be created with the touch of a button.

Milling Tools

The accessories and cutting drills used on our milling machines are called tools. There is a high degree of standardized tools available and used by SMI Verspaning to offer a wide range of milling possibilities. To speed up the organization of the tools within the milling machines, SMI Verspaning uses an automatic tool management system for our CNC milling equipment. Thanks to our wide range of cutting tools every type of product, no matter how advanced, can be created within our CNC milling machines.

Maximum Dimensions

Our milling machines can handle dimensions up to 5.200 mm and for 5 axis milling up to 1050 mm. When other dimensions are required, our welding department can seemless contect the milling pieces together without the loss of strenght. Our 80P duoblock can mill products up to 1050 mm in lenght making the largest products with the highest precision. Our new 60P duoblock can mill products up to 900 mm and is equiped with a large amount of different tools. Contact one of our advisors for your solutions. View our dimensions page for what our machinery can do for you

REFERENCES

Welded constructions

Wishbone suspension parts for an all terrain transportable vehicle. The combination of welding and milling created a strong durable structure.

Perfect Cylindrical

Turning is especially interesting when large cylindrical shaped work pieces needs to be processed. Turning machines are faster compared to milling machines.