At RidgelineCNC, we are fully prepared to assist you with all your machining requirements. Our array of CNC milling centers empowers us to fabricate components with both simple and intricate geometries, ensuring high-speed and precise results. Our primary objective is to provide a level of service that is unmatched anywhere else, catering to your unique needs with utmost dedication.
Our CNC Machining Capabilities Include Both 3-axis and 5-axis Mills
The 3-axis mill is a common machine with three motion axes: X, Y, and Z, similar to a cartesian coordinate system. It can only machine a 3D part from one direction. For instance, when milling a cube, the side faces are machined with the flank (side) of the cutting tool, and the top face is machined with the end (bottom) of the cutting tool.
The 5-axis mill has five motion axes: the three cartesian axes and two rotary axes. Like the 4-axis, various configurations of 5-axis machines are available. The additional rotary axis allows the cutting tool to approach the part from multiple directions, enabling the machining of highly complex parts. The rotary axes are also referred to as contouring or indexing, where the rotary axis rotates to a specified angle and locks in place during machining.
Most CNC milling centers can achieve precision to about a thousandth of an inch (+/- 0.001 inch), which is equivalent to the thickness of a human hair. Tighter dimensions beyond the standard machining tolerance of +/- 0.005 inch will result in increased part costs.
The length to diameter ratio (l:d) is a frequently used metric to characterize a hole. While large ratios (greater than 5:1) are feasible, smaller ratios are more easily manufacturable without the need for special drill bits, as shown here.
When part faces meet, they create internal corners that require a radius. Typically, a larger corner radius is more conducive to manufacturing, and having slightly larger radii than the tool diameter enables smoother tool movement through the corner without abrupt stops and starts. This approach is gentler on both the tools and the machine.
A setup refers to the instance when the part is secured in the machine. Each time the part needs to be removed from the fixture and re-secured, it reduces manufacturability and increases costs.
Contact us below for your own custom DFM analysis and project quote.
CNC milling creates various industrial parts, from single pieces to full production runs, for diverse applications.
Complex parts in unique industries are possible with CNC milling. Our unique expertise separates us from others.
The CNC milling process is particularly
useful for manufacturing runs of any size,
offering automated speed & cost benefits.
