What kind of motors do CNC metal milling machines use?

Question by Keegan: What kind of motors do CNC metal milling machines use?
What kind of motors do large CNC metal milling machines use? I know they operate at very high RPM, but what kind of horsepower do they put out? Would a regular router motor (2-3hp) be able to mill steel?

Best answer:

Answer by lithiumdeuteride
A typical CNC mill’s spindle uses an electric motor with around 8-30 horsepower, depending on the size of the machine.

A 2-3 horsepower motor could mill steel (with the appropriate tool, of course), but it would have to move more slowly, and take lighter cuts.

Machine rigidity (stiffness) is also very important in CNC milling. If the mill isn’t stiff enough, the machine and/or part will vibrate and cause tool or part damage.

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