How to Prevent Chatter (Vibration) During CNC Milling: Tips and Examples

Chatter—a high-frequency vibration that occurs during CNC milling—can be a persistent and costly challenge in precision machining. It not only affects the surface finish of the part but also accelerates tool wear, shortens spindle life, and leads to dimensional inaccuracies. For engineers, procurement teams, and OEMs working with demanding materials or tight tolerances, understanding and mitigating chatter is essential to ensuring part quality, process stability, and operational efficiency. In high-precision processes like ceramic CNC machining , where materials are brittle and tool engagement must be exact, the margin for error is razor-thin. In this article, we’ll explore the causes of chatter, practical methods to suppress it, and examples of how modern machining shops handle vibration-sensitive operations effectively. Why Chatter Matters in High-Precision CNC Machining At its core, chatter is a self-excited vibration that occurs when the cutting tool and workpiece interact ...