Overview: What is CNC Milling?

The Basics Of CNC Mills CNC mills are automated cutting machines using a rotating spindle-head to cut away unwanted material.

CNC milling machines come in a variety of sizes and different axis configurations. This manufacturing process is mainly utilized to cut harder metals but can work with workpiece materials ranging from plastic and aluminum to stainless steel and titanium. How CNC Milling Works CNC mills excel at profile cutting harder materials. Like all CNC machines, a CNC mill is controlled with G-Code created through CAM software. The Gg-Code instructs the machine where to move the tool head, how fast to spin the tool, how deep to cut, how to move the workpiece, and other factors relating to speed, feed rate, and coordination. The G-Code complexity depends on how many axes the milling machine has. Mills can still be used for profile cutting of softer materials, but are not as cost-effective for that use as CNC routers. The main difference between these machines is that with a CNC router the workpiece remains stationary while the router cutting head is directed around the piece, while a CNC mill may move both tool head and workpiece. CNC mills are mainly used in industrial manufacturing, while CNC routing is more common for lower output manufacturing like woodworking.

High Quality Rapid CNC Milling Service

SUDACNC integrates seamlessly with over 10,000 qualified manufacturing partners, including US-based ITAR-qualified and AS9100D-registered CNC milling facilities.

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That massive network means that whatever your part, we have a shop and machine to make it. We support 3-axis, 4-axis, 5-axis, and right-angle milling capabilities to help you rapidly create designs from simple straight lines to complex geometric shapes. SUDACNC offers instant pricing, on-demand lead times, and design-for-manufacturability feedback on materials and manufacturing processes for your custom CNC-milled parts, regardless of industry. Get your instant quote today. The price of your milled prototypes includes tariffs and shipping for standard parcels.

Custom CNC Machining Materials

Materials Available at SUDACNC

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Aluminum	Bronze/Brass	Copper	Plastics	Steel / Titanium / Zinc
Aluminum 5052	Brass C360	EPT Copper C110	ABS	Alloy Steel 4130, 4140
Aluminum 7075 & 7075-T6	Brass 260	Copper 101	Acetal [Delrin]	ASTM A36
Aluminum 6063-T5	C932 M07 Bearing Bronze		Acrylic	Stainless Steel 15-5, 17-4, 18-8, 303
Aluminum 7050-T7451			G-10 Garolite	Stainless Steel 303, 304, 316/316L
Aluminum MIC-6			Nylon 6/6	Stainless Steel 416, 420
Aluminum 6061-T6			PEEK	Steel, Low Carbon
Aluminum 2024-T3			Polycarbonate	Steel A36

Custom Sourced Materials

A variety of custom CNC milled parts, including metal and plastic, options are available for an instant online quote. If you do not see the material stock you are looking for, please choose "Other" under the material drop-down on your quote page and submit for an expert engineering review once you have specified features, tolerances, inspection needs, and quantities required.

Available Finishes

The finish option with the quickest turnaround. Parts are left with visible tool marks and potentially sharp edges and burrs, which can be removed upon request. Surface finish is comparable to 125 uin Ra finish.

The part surface is media blasted, typically using glass bead, to produce a smooth, matte appearance.

Type II creates a corrosion-resistant finish. Parts can be anodized in different colors—clear, black, red, and gold are most common—and is usually associated with aluminum. Type III is thicker and creates a wear-resistant layer in addition to the corrosion resistance seen with Type II.

This is a process where powdered paint is sprayed onto a part which is then baked in an oven. This creates a strong, wear- and corrosion-resistant layer that is more durable than standard painting methods. A wide variety of colors are available to create the desired aesthetic.

Don’t see the finish you need? Submit an RFQ and we’ll look into a finishing process for you.

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Applications of CNC Milling

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CNC Milling Tolerances & Standards

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Description	General Tolerance or Standard
Maximum Part Size	Milled parts up to 80” x 48” x 24” (2,032 x 1,219 x 610 mm).
Distance Dimensions	For features of size (Length, width, height, diameter) and location (position, concentricity, symmetry) +/- 0.005”.
Orientation and Form Dimensions	0-12" +/- 0.005", Angularity 1/2 degree. For 24" and beyond please consult SUDACNC's Manufacturing Standards.
Precision Tolerances	SUDACNC can manufacture and inspect to tight tolerances, including sub +/- 0.001" tolerances, per your drawing specifications and GD&T callouts.
Minimum Feature Size	0.020” (0.50 mm). This may vary depending on part geometry and chosen material.
Threads and Tapped Holes	SUDACNC can accommodate any standard thread size. We can also machine custom threads; these will require a manual quote review.
Surface Finish	The standard finish is as-machined: 125 Ra or better. Additional finishing options can be specified when getting a quote.
Edge Condition	Sharp edges will be broken and deburred by default. Critical edges that must be left sharp should be noted and specified on a print.