Silk Screen Services

Turning often results in a smoother surface due to the continuous single-point cutting action and more controlled tool geometry. Milling, with its multi-point cutting tools and complex tool paths, can yield a rougher surface finish, but it is highly dependent on the specific machining parameters, tool quality, and setup. Proper tool selection and optimization of cutting parameters can help improve the surface finish in milling operations.

Specifying a surface finish “as machined” is important because it defines the quality and texture of the workpiece’s surface directly after CNC machining. This helps set expectations for the surface finish without any additional post-processing, which can be crucial for parts with strict functional or aesthetic requirements.

Several factors can influence the surface finish as machined, including the cutting tool’s sharpness, the material being machined, the CNC machine’s accuracy and rigidity, feed rates, and cutting speeds. Operator skill and the choice of machining parameters play a crucial role in achieving the desired surface finish.