CNC Milling VS Routing

During the process of machining, CNC milling and CNC routing are frequently used. This article will talk about CNC milling and CNC routing. Also, we will make comparisons between CNC milling and CNC routing so that it will be easy for you to choose the proper one to use.

List: 1. Definition of CNC Milling

         2. Definition of CNC Routing

         3. Comparisons Between CNC Milling and CNC Routing

Definition of CNC Milling

CNC milling machine is also called CNC (Computer Numerical Control) milling machine. Its english meaning is a milling machine controlled by an electronic meter with digital signals. CNC milling machine is an automatic processing equipment developed on the basis of general milling machine. The processing technology of the two is basically the same, and the structure is similar. CNC milling machines are divided into two categories: without a tool magazine and with a tool magazine. The CNC milling machine with a tool magazine is also called a machining center. It uses computer control and rotating multi-point cutting tools to gradually remove materials from the workpiece and produce customized parts or products. This process is suitable for processing various materials, such as metals, plastics, glass and wood, as well as producing various customized design parts and products.

Definition of CNC Routing

The CNC routing (or CNC router) is a computer controlled cutting machine for cutting various hard materials, such as wood, composite materials, aluminum, steel, plastic and foam. CNC routers can perform many tasks of workshop machines, such as saw, spindle milling machine/router table and boring machine. CNC routers are very similar in concept to CNC milling machines. Instead of manual wiring, the tool path is controlled by computer digital control - most commonly by designing the cutting path on the computer, then loading the cutting path into the machine and moving it on three axes to cut the desired shape. Of course, there are machines of various sizes and shapes, as well as unlimited applications for home carpentry and cabinet stores - with accessories such as laser cutters and fourth axis controllers to add functionality. In addition, many things can be done by using different tools.

Comparisons Between CNC Milling and CNC Routing

• Compared with CNC routing, spindle speed of CNC milling machine is slower. Therefore, CNC milling machine can handle harder workpiece than CNC routing.

• CNC routing are usually not as accurate as milling machines.

• The cutting speed of CNC routing machine is higher than that of milling machine. The cutting speed of milling machine is much slower than that of CNC router. Milling machine speed is usually less than 1,000 RPM, while CNC router speed is usually as high as 18,000 RPM and higher.

• CNC routers are usually installed on the machine. These routers have XYZ configuration spindles. CNC routers usually have shallow gaps because they are designed to cut flatter materials. Milling machine usually uses XY configuration, the spindle is set above the equipment. The spindle moves on the linear axis and has a much larger gap than the CNC router.

• CNC routing is commonly used in woodworking while CNC milling is used for metal processing. They do have structural differences and mills have more precise tolerances. Routers are used in cabinets. For example, components are tolerant enough to be read with pocket scales rather than precision meters or micrometers. In addition, most CNC routers have larger tables than CNC milling machines.

• The RPM of CNC milling is usually about 3000-5000 RPM. CNC routing runs at speeds of about 25,000-30,000 RPM.

• CNC milling uses torque to cut, while the CNC routing uses rotation speed to cut.

From the information given above, you will know the differences between CNC milling and CNC routing. You can choose a more suitable way to produce what you want. We hope this article will make you satisfied.