1 Introduction: Why Duplex Milling for Side Faces Matters
In mold manufacturing and steel block preparation, achieving accurate side-face surfaces is critical for assembling or further machining.
Traditional single-head milling requires multiple setups to machine the four side faces individually, leading to longer cycle times and positioning errors.
CNC duplex milling machines solve this by simultaneously milling two opposite side faces in one setup, then repositioning the workpiece to mill the remaining two side faces, ensuring four accurate side faces are efficiently.
2 Core Advantages of CNC Duplex Milling Machines
2.1 Double-Sided Milling for Side Faces
The duplex milling machine can mill two opposite side faces simultaneously, reducing flipping and clamping errors.
This ensures parallelism between opposite faces and forms a reliable reference for the remaining sides.
2.2 Sequential Four-Face Side Machining
After the first two sides are milled, the workpiece is repositioned to mill the other two side faces.
This workflow guarantees perpendicularity and flatness across all four side faces.
2.3 Fully Automatic Operation
The machine offers:
1 Automatic clamping and positioning
2 Synchronous double-head cutting
3 Tool compensation and monitoring
4 Sequential side-face processing
This ensures stable batch production with minimal operator intervention.
2.4 Rigidity and Accuracy
The integrated machine bed and dual-head structure minimize vibration, enabling stable processing of high-hardness steels such as P20, H13, 718, and 2312.
3 Process Optimization for Side-Face Milling
3.1 Machining Sequence
1 Mill two opposite side faces simultaneously
2 Reposition the workpiece and mill the remaining two side faces
This sequence ensures that all four side faces are parallel and perpendicular, minimizing cumulative tolerance.
3.2 Clamping and Fixturing
Use high-precision fixtures or hydraulic vises
Avoid excessive clamping force to prevent deformation
Maintain alignment for accurate side-face machining
3.3 Tool Selection and Cooling
Carbide face mills for steel or die blocks
High-feed or high-speed cutters for aluminum or plastic blocks
High-flow coolant to remove chips, prevent scratches, and extend tool life
4 Equipment Selection and Applications
1 Fully automatic CNC duplex milling machines efficiently mill four side faces with one or two repositionings.
2 Ideal for mold bases, steel blocks, plastic mold blocks, and mechanical reference parts.
3 Not suitable for complex 3D-shaped parts; optimized for block-shaped or flat components.
4 Ensures parallelism, perpendicularity, and efficiency for batch production.
5 Conclusion
CNC duplex milling machines are designed for efficient four-sided machining of block side faces.
By using double-sided cutting for opposite faces and sequentially completing all four sides, they eliminate flipping errors, maintain dimensional stability, and improve production efficiency.
For mold bases, steel blocks, and mechanical reference parts, duplex milling is a highly reliable and cost-effective solution.