In conventional milling, the tool rotation and the feed direction are in opposite directions. This pushing action helps to clamp the workpiece down, reducing chatter and improving stability.

Climb Milling: Ideal for softer, ductile materials where a smooth finish is crucial. It's less suitable for brittle materials prone to chipping due to the pulling force.

Unionfab provides a comprehensive range of CNC machining services, including CNC Turning, CNC Milling and CNC Routing. With multi-axis milling and turning expertise, we can deliver custom solutions.

However, conventional milling can lead to chip re-cutting, which can cause a rougher surface finish and potentially accelerate tool wear.

For some consumers, identifying the cut grade may not be significant priority. And to be fair, for jewellery sales staff to explain the physics of light within a gem is far more complex than answering questions of colour and clarity. A common tendency is to state that all the diamonds are a “very good” cut. Do not assume that they are, however, unless accompanied by an Accredited certificate with your name on it. The average cut grade in the marketplace is fair to medium and fair to good. Be sure the cut grade is included with the colour and clarity analysis. If it is not shown, the cut grade will be near the bottom of the scale (if the jeweller is buying better cuts, the quality will always be indicated). To accurately explain relationships between cut grades, it is important to seek the assistance of a trained specialist. Gemmologists who maintain the highest level of ethics and integrity have attained the degree of Accredited CAP. In most cases their expertise will help provide the client with the best purchasing value.

One in a thousand diamonds are cut by artisans who have spent countless hours perfecting the skills of strict proportions and faceting. When a diamond is cut to a superior proportion, light is reflected from one facet to another and then dispersed through the pavilion of the diamond and back through the crown. If the cut of the diamond is too deep, however, some light will escape through the opposite side of the pavilion. Conversely, if the cut is too shallow, light will escape through the pavilion before it can be reflected. When graded as fine, excellent or ideal cut, this quality of craftsmanship can add 15-40% to the value of the gem. Premium cutting is only considered in high colour high clarity gemstones.

Our services cater to diverse client applications, ensuring accurate, efficient, and cost-effective production of your finished components.

Understand the cutting characteristics of gemstones is the most important and complex component of the Five Cs. When jewellers speak of the cut of a diamond, they are not referring to its shape. The shape is merely used to describe the physical characteristics of the diamond. The cut describes the level of precision achieved by the diamond cutter to form the desired shape. The diamond cutter’s level of training will dramatically influence the diamond’s brilliance, fire and sparkle. The precision in which your diamond is cut will determine its ultimate beauty. Diamond cutting is an art form that has the potential to release a magnificent fire from within the gem. Yet, the vast majority of diamond cutting grades are inflated to ‘Make the Sale’. Ensure that you trust the jeweller’s certification.

Conventional Milling: Ideal for roughing cuts where a smooth finish is less critical and chip evacuation is important. It's also preferred for workpieces prone to vibration or chatter due to its improved stability.

Climb Milling: Excellent for finishing cuts where a superior surface finish is important. It can also be used for roughing cuts on softer materials with proper considerations for machine rigidity and tool selection.

Climb milling and conventional milling offer distinct advantages and disadvantages. Climb milling excels in achieving a superior surface finish and requires less cutting force, but demands a rigid setup and stronger tools.

With three generations of experience serving Winnipeg, as well as GIA gemological accreditations and certifications, our family is pleased to assist you in selecting the perfect gift or custom crafting that special piece.Open by appointment! Contact us today at 204-488-9813 to schedule your in-person consultation.

Climb Milling: Requires a rigid machine setup to minimize tool deflection. This is especially important for deep cuts or weak tools.

Climb Milling: Puts greater strain on the tool due to the pulling force. Sharper and stronger tools are recommended to minimize deflection.

Conventional Milling: Less susceptible to tool deflection due to the pushing action. This makes it a good choice for machines with less rigidity.

Conventional milling, on the other hand, provides better stability, handles a wider range of materials, and is less prone to deflection, but may result in a rougher surface.

Commonly diamonds cutters will cut their diamonds for economy. As in every other industry, price is generally important to the consumer. In diamonds, it is the cutter who largely controls the economy of the gem. As seen in the rough diamond diagram, the cutter has one limitation in the proportions – the width. Notice that there is plenty of depth. There is an enormous amount of pressure in all the cutting centres of the world to maximize the yield or weight.

Assume that the ideal diamond proportions should yield a .90 carat (90 pointer). The cutter realises that the retailer has far more calls for 1.00 carat diamonds than 90 pointers. In nearly all cases the cutter will alter the proportions to use up more depth and push the top corners out to create what is called a “lumpy” one carat diamond. To reduce costs further, minimal effort is used for symmetry to create any fire. The cheaper cut will sell quicker in most stores due to the fact that the diamond rough has attained the 1.0 carat weight. Under these circumstances the cutter and retailer will also rotate their inventory at a faster rate. In many of these sales, an accurate but lower cut grade is not given to the consumer for fear it will reduce its saleability.

However, climb milling can put a greater strain on the tool due to the pulling force exerted by the rotating tool. This can lead to tool deflection and affect dimensional accuracy.

Conventional Milling: Less demanding on the tool. However, tool wear can still lead to increased chip re-cutting and a rougher surface finish.

Ask for the jeweller’s professional credentials. This vital information will indicate their expertise. Other professionals have their diplomas available to view – expect it from your jeweller, or walk away!

If seeing is believing, just ask to see a selection of 90 pointers. Very few of these diamonds exist, and so the jeweller will often ‘move you up’ to a one carat, often of a lower quality. Generally, the 90 pointers offer exceptional value if they are well cut and are usually the same diameter as the lower quality 1.0 carat diamonds. The same scenario holds for (.48ct, 1.40ct, or 1.90ct).

In climb milling, the tool rotation and the feed direction are in the same direction. This creates a shearing action where the chips are pushed away from the cutting zone, minimizing recutting and potentially leading to a better surface finish.

Discover the differences between climb milling and conventional milling techniques and learn how to optimize your machining processes.

To choose the right milling technique for your project, it's necessary to learn about pros and cons of climb and conventional milling.

Conventional Milling: More versatile for various materials, including harder materials and those prone to chipping. The pushing action helps clamp the workpiece and reduces chipping.

By understanding these factors and carefully considering your project's needs, you can select the right milling technique for optimal results.

Climb (Down) milling and conventional (up) milling, the two main approches of metal removal with rotating tools. While both achieve precise cuts, the direction of the feed (movement of the workpiece) relative to the tool's rotation creates distinct advantages and disadvantages.