What does ‘programming in 3D’ refer to in CNC milling?

‘Programming in 3D’ in CNC milling refers to creating tool paths for milling complex shapes in three-dimensional space. This process involves defining movements and operations that the milling machine will execute to form intricate parts that require depth, contour, and varying profiles.

In 3D programming, the CNC operator must consider the depth of the cut, the angles at which tools enter the material, and the various axes of movement that allow for three-dimensional machining. This capability is essential for producing parts with complex geometries that cannot be accomplished using traditional two-dimensional milling techniques.

The other choices, while related to aspects of CNC milling, do not accurately capture the essence of what 3D programming involves. Integrating CAD models into the milling process is vital but focuses more on the design aspect rather than the specific programming techniques used to create tool paths. Programming the CNC machine using G-code is a part of many programming tasks but does not specifically denote 3D programming. Operating the milling machine in a two-dimensional plane is contrary to the concept of 3D programming, which inherently involves three axes of movement.