Introduction
Milling is a manufacturing process that involves the use of various cutting tools to remove material from a workpiece in order to shape it or create a desired feature. Milling can be done with a variety of tools, including end mills, ball nose cutters, and rotary cutters, which can be used to produce a variety of shapes and sizes with tolerances as tight as 0.0001”. Milling is often used in the production of parts for the automotive, aerospace, and medical industries. One particular type of milling process, known as “inserting”, has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its ability to produce repeatable parts with minimal set-up time and minimal tooling costs. This article will discuss the features and applications of insert milling.
Features
Insert milling is a process that involves a specially designed cutting tool, or “insert”, that is inserted into a workpiece and then rotated around its circumference. The cutting edge of the insert then gradually removes material from the workpiece as it rotates, producing the desired shape or feature. Insert milling is attractive to manufacturers because of its ability to produce repeatable results with minimal set-up time and minimal tooling costs. The inserts used in insert milling are generally made of carbide or ceramic, both of which are hard and durable materials that hold up well to the rigors of machining. Additionally, the inserts can be easily replaced if they become worn out or damaged, which helps to extend tool life and reduce costs.
Applications
Insert milling is often used in the production of parts for various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and medical products. It is ideal for producing parts with complicated shapes, such as those found in internal combustion engines, which require precise tolerances and surface finishes. It is also ideal for producing components with delicate features, such as those found in medical implants, which require extreme precision. Additionally, insert milling can be used for producing parts with uniform geometry, thanks to the precise control that it offers.
Conclusion
Insert milling is a popular machining process that is used by many industries. Its advantages include its ability to produce repeatable results with minimal set-up time and minimal tooling costs. Additionally, the inserts used in insert milling are generally made of hard, durable materials which hold up well to the rigors of machining. Lastly, insert milling can be used for producing parts with complicated shapes, delicate features, and uniform geometry. All of these features make insert milling an attractive option for many manufacturers.
