Understanding the As-Milled Finish: A Guide to the Production Process in CNC Milling

As-milled is a finish that refers to the surface of a part or component as it appears after it has been machined. Parts and components produced through CNC milling can be left in their raw, unfinished state, which can be useful for applications where a specific finish is not required.

To produce an as-milled finish using CNC milling, the following process is typically followed:

  1. Design: The first step in the CNC milling process is to create a computer-aided design (CAD) file that contains the specific design or shape of the part or component to be produced.
  2. Setup: The CNC machine is then prepared for the milling process by installing the appropriate tools and fixtures, and setting the machine’s cutting parameters.
  3. Material selection: The material to be used for the part or component is selected based on the specific requirements of the application, including the required strength and durability of the part.
  4. Machining: The CNC machine is then programmed with the CAD file and begins to cut and shape the material according to the specific design or shape of the part or component.
  5. Inspection: Once the machining process is complete, the part or component is inspected to ensure that it meets the required specifications and tolerances.
  6. Finishing: The part or component can then be left in its raw, as-milled state, or it can be subjected to additional finishing processes, such as anodizing, powder coating, or polishing, to provide a specific finish.

In general, CNC milling is a precise and accurate manufacturing process that allows for the production of complex parts and components with a high level of repeatability. The as-milled finish is suitable for applications where a specific finish is not required or where the raw, unfinished surface of the machined material is desired.

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