Hard alloy milling cutters are one of the essential tools for milling centers. It comes in various types and is used for metal processing. According to the processing requirements and workpiece type, rough machining, intermediate machining, and precision machining can be carried out.

When the machining quality requirements for parts are high, CNC machining must complete three stages: rough machining, intermediate machining, and precision machining. Rough machining and precision machining are two different stages in the milling process used to manufacture parts or workpieces, each with specific goals and processing requirements.

1. Distinguish between rough machining and precision machining

Rough machining is a processing stage aimed at quickly removing a large amount of material to form the desired shape. The main purpose is to quickly and efficiently remove a large amount of excess on the surface of the material through cutting, in order to meet the shape and size requirements. The main objective of this stage is to achieve higher production efficiency.

Basic principles: low speed, high feed rate, and large cutting volume.

Rough milling:

Objective: The main goal of rough milling is to quickly remove most of the material from the workpiece, forming a preliminary machined workpiece that is close to its final shape.

Processing requirements: During rough milling, high surface smoothness and precision are usually not required. The main goal is to quickly remove materials to bring the workpiece closer to the desired size and shape, leaving enough space for subsequent precision milling.

Cutting parameters: Rough milling typically uses larger cutting depths and higher feed rates to quickly remove material, but requires sufficient cooling and lubrication to control temperature.

Precautions for rough machining: cutting parameters, processed materials, cutting tools, machine tool type and software, lubrication and cooling.

2. Precision machining is a machining process used to manufacture parts and workpieces, with the main goal of obtaining workpieces with high precision, high surface quality, and precise dimensions.

This process is usually carried out after rough machining and semi precision machining to further improve the quality of the workpiece, with the aim of ensuring that the processed parts meet the specified dimensional accuracy and technical requirements.

Precision milling:

Goal: Precision milling is the machining stage after rough milling, with the main goal of obtaining high-precision, high surface quality, and precise size final workpieces by removing residual materials.

Processing requirements: Precision milling requires very high processing accuracy and surface quality. At this stage, the size and shape of the workpiece need to almost completely comply with the design specifications, and the surface quality should be very smooth.

Cutting parameters: Precision milling typically uses smaller cutting depths and feed rates to provide better surface smoothness and machining accuracy. The cutting speed may be lower to reduce heat generation.

Attention to precision machining: required precision machining quality, part application, and machining cost.

Therefore, the requirements for machining tools are different in the rough machining and precision machining stages.

The characteristic of precision milling cutters is that they can process high hardness materials and have good wear resistance. During semi precision machining and precision machining, milling cutters with more blades and smaller tool sizes should be used to precisely control the machining process and achieve higher machining accuracy and surface quality.

The influence of milling cutter type on machining effect

In the process of mechanical machining, milling cutters are crucial components. Although rough machining and precision machining are both milling processes, the tools used are different. The applicability and limitations of milling cutters can be determined by the type of milling cutter (such as flat bottom milling cutter, ball end milling cutter, round nose milling cutter, etc.) and specifications (such as diameter, angle, number of grooves, ETC).

The main characteristics of a rough milling cutter are good wear resistance, high cutting efficiency, and less likely to break during machining. In rough machining applications, milling cutters with fewer cutting edges should be selected because they can quickly remove excess and improve machining efficiency.

The characteristic of precision milling cutters is that they can process high hardness materials and have good wear resistance. During semi precision machining and precision machining, milling cutters with more blades and smaller tool sizes should be used to precisely control the machining process and achieve higher machining accuracy and surface quality.