Frezare

Frezare is a subtractive manufacturing process that removes material from a workpiece using rotating multi-edged cutting tools called freze, to create features such as pockets, slots, holes, and smooth surfaces. The operation is typically performed on milling machines, including CNC mills, and is distinct from turning, where the workpiece rotates while a stationary tool makes cuts.

The main equipment consists of vertical or horizontal milling machines and a variety of cutters, such as end mills, ball-nose cutters, and face mills. The choice of cutter, material, and cutting conditions depends on the workpiece material (metals, plastics, wood) and the required geometry. In milling, the tool rotates about its axis while the workpiece is translated in multiple directions to remove material.

In a typical workflow the workpiece is clamped or fixtured, a toolpath is generated (by CAM software or manual programming), and cutting parameters (spindle speed, feed rate, depth of cut) are selected. Operations include peripheral milling, face milling, slotting, pocketing, and drilling or tapping through holes in a finishing or roughing pass. Cooling or lubrication is often used to prolong tool life.

Variants include 2D/3D milling, high-speed milling, and rigid tapping, as well as up-cut or down-cut cutting directions. CNC milling enables high precision and repeatability, complex 3D geometries, and automation for production or prototyping.

Applications span automotive, aerospace, electronics housings, mechanical components, and woodworking or plastic parts. Advantages include accurate tolerances, good surface finish, and flexibility; limitations include tool wear, chatter, setup time and cost, and material constraints.