What is the primary difference between roughing and finishing operations in milling?

The primary difference between roughing and finishing operations in milling lies in the volume of material removed and the precision of the cut. Roughing operations are designed to remove large amounts of material quickly from a workpiece, shaping it to a near-final form. This process uses larger tools and higher feed rates to achieve faster material removal, prioritizing efficiency over surface finish.

In contrast, finishing operations focus on refining the surface of the workpiece to achieve precise dimensions and smooth finishes. This is accomplished using finer tools and slower feed rates, allowing for more control over the cut and reducing surface imperfections. The goal of finishing is to enhance the quality of the final product, ensuring it meets the required specifications and tolerances.

Understanding this distinction is crucial in CNC milling as it directly affects the choice of tools, speeds, and feeds used during the machining process, ultimately influencing production efficiency and the quality of the finished part.