CNC Milling Service
Multi-Axis Milling
Schantz Machine and Fabrication is ready to help you with your machining needs. We have a variety of CNC milling centers that enable us to produce simple or complex part geometries with high speed and precision. Our goal is to give you a level of service that you cannot get anywhere else.
Using our CNC Milling Service is Simple and Fast!
Easy to Submit
Simple form to submit your 3D CAD models and drawings. Multiple file types accepted.
24 Hour Quotes
Within 24 hours, you will get a quote to machine the parts.
Multiple Quantity & Lead Times
Your quote will allow you to see the unit price and total price based on a variety of quantities and lead times.
Fast Checkout
You choose the options you prefer, checkout right online if you want, and we handle it from there.
Don’t have a Finished Design?
No Problem!
Schantz can help with that too. Reach out through our contact us form with a brief description of your parts and we will respond with next steps.
Why Choose Schantz Machine & Fabrication (SMF)
Our experts are available by phone to discuss design for manufacturing (DFM), finishing specs, anything you need to help achieve your production goals. Whether you need a single prototype or a multiple item production order, we are here to help.
CNC milling services is just one of the ways that we can help you. If your parts require additional services like plating, anodizing or heat treating. We can handle that too.
At SMF we invest in the latest technology. We have 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC milling centers to make nearly anything you can imagine. Our quoting and collaboration tools streamline the procurement process. We utilize the latest CAD/CAM software to handle the file types you like to work with.
Not a CNC Machining Guru?
Don’t worry, we are!
We can guide you through the process from beginning to end. To get started, we have shared some common machining knowledge and terminology below.
Manufacturability of Machined Parts
In addition to form, fit, function, and aesthetics, great designs also consider manufacturability.
Manufacturability refers to how easily a part can be made. As manufacturability improves, costs go down. In machining, some of the most common issues that impact manufacturability are:
Un-Realistic Tolerances
Most CNC milling centers can be precise to approximately a thousandth of an inch. (+/- 0.001 inch) That’s the thickness of a human hair! Dimensions tighter than the standard machining tolerance of +/-.005 inch will drive part costs up.
Deep Holes with Small Diameters
The length to diameter ratio (l:d) is a common metric to describe a hole. Large ratios (greater than 5:1) are possible but smaller ratios are more manufacturable without the use of special drill bits like you see here.
Small Inside Pocket Radii
When part faces meet an internal corner is formed, these inside corners must have a radius. In general, a larger corner radius is more manufacturable and a slightly larger radii than the tool diameter allows the tool to sweep threw the corner instead of stopping and starting. This is easier on the tools and the machine.
Features with Multiple Setups
A setup is an instance when the part is fixtured in the machine. Every time a part needs to be removed from the fixture and fixtured again, manufacturability goes down and costs go up.
CNC Milling - Machining Axis and Control
A Machining axis is, simple put, a direction of motion. Axes can be classified as linear (moving in a straight line) or rotary (spinning rotating in a circle). In milling, 3-, 4-, and 5-axis machine tools are the most common. However, there are some machines with up to 12.
3 Axis CNC Milling
The 3-axis mill is very common. The three axes of motion are the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. These are the same X, Y, and Z axes that you will find in a cartesian coordinate system. The main point to understand about a 3-axis mill is that you are only able to machine a 3D part from one direction. If you are milling a cube, you will only be able to machine the side faces of the cube with the flank (side) of the cutting tool and you will only be able to machine the top face of the cube with the end (bottom) of the cutting tool.
4 Axis CNC Milling
The 4-axis mill has four axes of motion. They are typically the same X-, Y-, and Z-axes (cartesian axes) plus a rotary axis. The rotary axis will rotate about one of the cartesian axes. The most common rotary axis naming convention is A, B, and C. The A-axis rotates about the X-axis, B about Y, and C about Z. The rotary axis enables a 4-axis machine to create more complex parts with features on more faces because the cutting tool can approach the part from additional directions.
5 Axis CNC Milling
The 5-axis mill has five axes of motion. They are typically the three cartesian axes plus two rotary axes. The naming conventions are generally the same as the 4-axis and many different 5-axis machine configurations exist. As with 4-axis, the additional rotary axis enables the cutting tool in a 5-axis machining center to approach the part from more directions. Very complex parts can be machined with a 5-axis machining center.
It is also common to refer to rotary axes as contouring or indexing. When indexing the rotary axis will rotate to a specified angle, then lock in place while machining occurs.
Computer Numerical Control (CNC)
CNC stands for computer numerical control. It is a term that became popular when machine tool builders began using computers to control the electro-mechanical systems on the machine tools. The CNC is programmed using a type of code called G-code. The sequence of G-codes in an NC program give the machine CNC mills and CNC lathes explicit instructions to move axes to specific positions and control the functions of the machine.
Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM)
CAD refers to the software that designers use to create 3D models of parts. In milling, CAM refers to the software that manufacturers use to plan the machining milling process and generate the NC code used to run the CNC milling machines. Schantz is well versed in these software programs. We use some of the most common and advanced packages, such as AutoDesk Fusion 360, AutoDesk Inventor, AutoCad, and Solidworks.
Models courtesy Haas Automation Inc.
How Can We Help You Today?
From initial design, to prototypes and full production,
you can count on us to deliver quality parts,
on time and on budget!
