How to choose between a carving machine, CNC milling machine, and high-speed milling machine?

1. Machining Requirements Matching

Heavy-duty machining for high-volume production (e.g., rough machining of automotive molds): Prioritize CNC milling machines or machining centers to achieve efficient cutting through their high rigidity.

Micro-machining or soft metal processing (e.g., engraving electronic product casings): Select CNC engraving machines to achieve fine surface quality via high rotational speeds.

Medium-volume cutting with near-net-shape requirements (e.g., precision finishing of aerospace components): High-speed milling reduces subsequent grinding processes, boosting overall efficiency.

2. Cost-Efficiency Tradeoffs

Machining center tool magazine costs: Avoid machining centers for single-variety parts under 200 units, as tool magazines, spindles, etc., add over ¥100,000 in costs with high programming complexity.

Replacing tool magazines with fully automatic tool setting systems: Installing an automatic tool setter (e.g., Marposs brand, priced around ¥10,000) achieves tool change errors of 0.001-0.003 μm, offering higher efficiency than machining centers with tool magazines but without automatic tool setting.

3. Equipment Collaboration Strategy

Phased Machining:

Complete the majority of cutting operations (leaving 2-3 mm allowance) using conventional CNC milling;

Transfer to high-speed milling for finishing, achieving rapid form completion, high surface quality (mirror finish), and eliminating grinding requirements.

Advantages:

Conventional milling offers low processing costs and low tooling expenses;

High-speed milling delivers uniform material removal, extended tool life, and high overall cost-effectiveness.

4. Spindle Type Selection

CNC Milling/Machining Centers: Requires a gearbox to enhance low-speed torque, but precision is limited and unsuitable for small-radius tools.

CNC Engraving Machines: Must employ an integrated motor-spindle unit (motor and spindle combined), operating at 20,000–30,000 RPM with rotational accuracy within 2 μm to prevent tool breakage.

High-Speed Milling: Requires an internal motor-spindle unit maintaining torque output at low speeds, equipped with an oil-water cooling system. Spindle power ≥7.5 kW, speed >25,000 RPM.