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What is CNC milling?

What is CNC milling?

CNC milling uses rotational cutting tools to remove material from a workpiece to produce finished parts and products. This manufacturing process works well for many materials, including metals, polymers, wood and glass. CNC milling systems generally have 3 linear degrees of freedom: the X, Y and Z axis. This allows for top-notch precision and detailing. Sunnyhowe also offers more advanced, 5-degree systems, where the tool head and machining bed (A and B axis) can also rotate. 5-axis CNC machines can produce parts with high geometric complexity without needing multiple machine setups.

Maximum part size for 3- and 3+2-axis CNC milling

There are several types of CNC milling machines, each with its own distinct maximum part size. 3-axis and 3+2 axis machines have the lowest start-up costs and can produce parts with relatively simple geometries.


3-axis milling

Size

Metric units

Imperial units

Max. part size for soft metals [1] & plastics 2000 x 1500 x 200 mm 1500 x 800 x 500 mm 78.7 x 59.0 x 7.8 in 59.0 x 31.4 x 27.5 in
Max. part for hard metals [2] 1200 x 800 x 500 mm 47.2 x 31.4 x 19.6 in
Min. feature size Ø 0.50 mm Ø 0.019 in
[1] : Aluminum, copper & brass [2] : Stainless steel, tool steel, alloy steel & mild steel

3+2 axis milling

Size

Metric units

Imperial units

Max. part size for soft metals [1] & plastics 2000 x 1500 x 200 mm 78.7 x 59.0 x 7.8 in
Max. part for hard metals [2] 1200 x 800 x 500 mm 47.2 x 31.4 x 19.6 in
Min. feature size Ø 0.50 mm Ø 0.019 in
[1] Aluminum, copper & brass [2] Stainless steel tool steel, alloy steel & mild steel

Maximum part size for 5-axis CNC milling

The more advanced of the milling machine family, 5-axis centers can produce parts with more complex geometries. These machines require fewer machine setups so they are more productive.


Size

Metric units

Imperial units

Max. part size for all materials 2000 x 1500 x 200 mm 78.7 x 59.0 x 7.8 in
Min. feature size Ø 0.50 mm Ø 0.019 in

Multi-Axis CNC Milling Parts Gallery

Browse our collection of complex components machined with 3+2 and 5-axis CNC milling technology. These parts highlight our expertise in producing intricate geometries, deep cavities, and thin-wall features in aluminum, steel, and engineering plastics.

Available materials for CNC Milling

Metals

Metals

A wide range of metals for CNC machining, with applications in multiple industries. Ideal for both one-off prototypes and end-use custom parts.
Plastics

Plastics

A wide range of plastics for CNC machining, with applications in multiple industries. Ideal for both one-off prototypes and end-use custom parts.
CNC milling surface finishes

CNC milling surface finishes

Improve your part’s performance by selecting high-quality surface finishes that enhance the roughness, hardness, chemical resistance and cosmetic features of your finished component.

CNC milling tolerances

We follow ISO 2768 standards for CNC machining.


Limits for nominal size

Plastics (ISO 2768- m)

Metals (ISO 2768- f)

0.5mm* to 3mm ±0.1mm ±0.05mm
Over 3mm to 6mm ±0.1mm ±0.05mm
Over 6mm to 30mm ±0.2mm ±0.1mm
Over 30mm to 120mm ±0.3mm ±0.15mm
Over 120mm to 400mm ±0.5mm ±0.2mm
Over 400mm to 1000mm ±0.8mm ±0.3mm
Over 1000mm to 2000mm ±1.2mm ±0.5mm
Over 2000mm to 4000mm ±2mm
*Please clearly indicate tolerances for nominal sizes below 0.5mm on your technical drawing.

Precision CNC Milling Workshop & Capabilities

Our milling department is built for complexity and scale. We leverage multi-axis technology to deliver complex custom CNC milling parts with the accuracy and surface finish your projects demand.

Certification system
iso13485 iso9001
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Why Choose

Sunnyhowe is an ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100-certified manufacturer headquartered in Shenzhen, China, with over 25 years of expertise in high-precision CNC machining and industrial 3D printing services.

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FAQ's about CNC milling service

  • What are the benefits of 5-axis CNC milling?

    5-axis machining allows us to machine complex parts from all angles in a single setup. This reduces lead time, improves accuracy by eliminating multiple fixturing steps, and enables the production of intricate geometries—like impellers, turbos, and medical implants—that are impossible with 3-axis mills.
  • Can you machine thin-wall aluminum parts without deformation?

    Yes, machining thin-wall aluminum components is a specialty. We use specialized fixturing, optimized toolpaths, and high-speed machining strategies to manage cutting forces and heat, ensuring dimensional stability and preventing part distortion.
  • What is the maximum size of parts you can mill?

    Our large-format CNC mills can handle parts up to 1500mm x 800mm x 600mm (X, Y, Z). Please contact us with your specific dimensions for confirmation.
  • Do you offer custom CNC milling parts from my design?

    Absolutely. We are experts at producing custom CNC milling parts directly from your CAD data. We provide DFM feedback to ensure your design is optimized for manufacturability, cost, and performance.
  • What surface finish options do you offer for milled parts?

    Beyond the standard milled finish, we offer bead blasting, brushing, anodizing (for aluminum), and powder coating. We can achieve surface finishes as fine as Ra 0.8 μm for critical cosmetic or functional surfaces.
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