Definition of: CNC Milling

CNC Milling is the most common form of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) . CNC milling performs the functions of drilling as well as turning. CNC mills are categorized according to the number of axes.
Axes are labeled as x and y for horizontal movement, and z for vertical movement. A standard manual light-duty mill is typically
assumed to have four axes:

1) Table x

2) Table y

3) Table z

4) Milling Head z

CNC Milling Machines

The number of axes of a milling machine is often interpreted in varying ways. A five-axis CNC milling machine has an extra axis in the form of a horizontal pivot for the milling head. This allows extra flexibility for machining with the end mill at an angle with respect to the table. A six-axis CNC milling machine would have another horizontal pivot for the milling head, this time perpendicular to the fifth axis.

CNC milling machines are traditionally programmed using a set of commands known as G-codes. G-codes represent specific CNC functions in alphanumeric format.