CNC Milling Machines

Kingsbury offers high-quality CNC (computer numerical control) milling machines from some of the most respected and innovative manufacturers in Europe. Use the navigation below to explore our complete range or contact us for expert advice on selecting the most profitable CNC milling machine for your business.

CNC milling

A CNC milling machine is the workhorse of the modern manufacturing industry. The simplest form of milling machine has a spindle that can move downwards in the z-axis, with the bed moving the part in the x and y-axes. The type of machine required depends on the type of components being manufactured. The more complex the part, the more axes that are required for manufacture, resulting in higher costs. 

Types of CNC mills

Vertical Mill – The most common style of mill, is the vertical mill drill. The spindle moves vertically up and down in the z-axis while the bed moves in the x & y axis.

Turret Mill – A turret milling machine is similar to a vertical mill but allows the spindle to move in the z-axis by means of a quill. The bed can also move up in the  z-axis as well as the x & y-axes.

Horizontal Mill – Horizontal mills have their spindles oriented horizontally and typically have large beds. The parts stay fixed on the bed and the milling tool moves to the part. The advantages of horizontal milling machines allow for high production rates.

Gantry Mill – CNC Gantry mills are often used for large complex parts and can have up to 6 axes of movement.

Multiple axis machining

CNC mills can allow simple 3-axis machining as well as highly complex 6-axis machining. This is described in more detail below:

3-Axis – Most entry level CNC mills have 3-axes of motion, the z-axis refers to the spindle which moves up and down and the x & y-axis refer to left and right, and forward and backwards movement. There are various ways in which these axes can be configured in a modern CNC mill.

4-Axis –  A 4-axis CNC mill has the usual x, y and z-axes as listed previously but also has an additional a-axis. This axis rotates around the x-axis and is controlled by a servo motor.

5-Axis – A 5-axis CNC mill is a highly advanced machine that allows for the manufacture of highly complex components. It has all the axes of a 4-axis machine with an additional b-axis which rotates about the y-axis. This is also a servo controlled axis and does not spin at high rpm, so can not operate as a mill turn.

6-Axis – A six axis machine allows for advanced manufacturing and can offer a significant increase in manufacturing speed. Typical machines have a gantry style set up with the usual x, y and z-axes, however the milling head has another 3 rotational axes which offer unparalleled capabilities.

Advantages of a CNC mill

Kingsbury offers a wide range of milling machines that can cover any requirement. Due to the scope of machines available, the benefits of a CNC are vast:

Productivity – A CNC mill is capable of manufacturing components at high cycle times with limited operator contact once the cycle start button is pressed.  A CNC mill can also run over night without direct supervision, thus maximising productivity Cost Savings – A single operator can run multiple milling machines in a shop which results in a large saving in terms of labour costs. A CNC mill can also produce parts far quicker than even the best manual mill operators. This results in more parts per day, which in turn leads to increased profitability.  Efficiency – A CNC mill can outperform any manually operated machine. Once the code is set up once, it can be reused multiple times. Automated systems can also be used to load material into the machines without human intervention.

Which is the right CNC mill for you?

CNC mills offer a wide range of benefits, and there are many different styles and configurations of the machines listed above to choose from. Kingsbury offers a wide selection of milling machines that will solve your various machining challenges. Your next milling machine is just a click away.

Get in touch

If you have any questions about our machines, or interest in setting up a new machining process. Our expert team are more than happy to help.

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