What is CNC Machining?
Industrial manufacturing significantly depends upon CNC machining operations in today's era – popular as a high-tech manufacturing method. You might be surprised to learn that from making automotive parts to engraving complex and intricate designs into door frames, a standard CNC machining can make it all seem so effortless.
A CNC (computer numerical control) machining is a sophisticated machining technique. It utilizes CNC routers with CAM software applications and other components. The machine's tools cut and shape along, following hundreds of various commands. Furthermore, the pre-programmed software system is a popular application for manufacturing processes and prototypes. It controls the action of strategies and tooling that performs various tasks at service. Hence, the time spent on manufacturing parts was reduced to 15 minutes; previously 8 hours.
As experts in this field, we're excited to help you understand all about CNC machining. This article highlights the different types of CNC approaches keeping their applications in consideration.
Let's dive into the details!
Table of Content
■ What is CNC Machining Process?
History of CNC Machining
The first numerically controlled machines made their debut in the 1940s and 1950s, primarily for manufacturing parts of aircraft. This approach also allowed producing templates from punched tape statistical information.
What is CNC Machining Process?
The CNC machining process involves using a solid block of material; steel, brass, or copper. It further involves using pre-programmed computer software (CAD and CAM) that controls the tools and machinery movement responsible for the product manufacturing.
Using numerically controlled tools, CNC machining process accurately delivers quality manufacturing parts. The tools typically found in standard CNC machinery include routers, lathes, mills, and grinders. This autonomous process machining practically eliminates human error, which means every industrial manufacturing depends on a CNC machining process.
To better understand the process, you first should be mindful of its chief components.
CAD and CAM
The machine runs by computer, and the operation carries out by inputting the program into it. The CNC machine only works on two courses: CAD and CAM. The codes regulate everything from the movements of the headstock to the spindle speed.
CAD is an abbreviation for computer-aided design. This subject will instruct you about machine design and manufacturing applications.
CAM Software (computer-aided manufacturing) is like CAD. It helps you create programs for many different CNC machines to support various manufacturing processes like cutting, milling, turning, to name a few. Likewise, CAM employs a variety of software programs to help you develop tool-path and NC codes for the CNC-driven machine. This is a time-consuming process involving using data from a 3D computer model (CAD).
When the two are combined, they deliver what you need for CNC machining, frequently coined as CAD/CAM.
Movements
CNC machining process can include various axes of movement, either linear or rotational. Cut-out laser or water-jet ones usually have only two linear axes. Milling machines typically have three axes, X, Y, and Z.
A 5-axis CNC milling machine has three linear and two rotary axes. It enables the cutter to work in a complete 180º and sometimes even further. There are also multiaxis mechanisms with more than five axes. And there could be over five verticals and horizontals on a robotic manipulator, ranging up to 12-axis CNC machines.
Working of the Different Types of CNC Machining Processes
The following are the most frequently employed machines that utilize CNC machining techniques. These machines assist in large and medium scale industries.
1. Lathe CNC Machine
Also known as turning machines because the rotational action of the work-piece is known as 'turning.' For this reason, CNC turning machines use a lathe that tends to create exactly cylindrical and spherical shaped parts. They often have fewer axes than CNC milling machines and are smaller and better compact. Turning centers get implemented in this machine. The material rotates on a spindle while the cutter trims away extra material. The primary shaft, serving as the cutting instrument for the material, holds it in position and spins it. A semi-skilled individual can effortlessly manage it after the basic setup is complete.
However, modern CNC lathe machines generally feature equipment that can work in more than two axes, having a second turret with additional tools and a second spindle. Using a CNC lathe machine in this manner can allow performing other tasks such as milling, drilling, and tapping. As a result, you may generate comprehensive or even intricate pieces without transferring them to a different tool for a secondary procedure.
2. CNC Milling Machine
A CNC Milling Machine is helpful in large-scale manufacturing or mass production. The items produced by such a machine are very exact in terms of dimensional deviation. It transforms the material into a mechanical/vehicular component by moving a spinning cylindrical cutter through many coordinates and creating holes and detailing. The cutting tool and the workpiece tend to move in the same path.
A vertical milling machine is relatively frequent milling equipment. It has long and slender cutting tools, while horizontally oriented spindles have shorter and broader cutting tools. The orientation dispersion significantly influences the final output.
3. CNC Drilling Machine
Reaming, counter-boring and tapping holes are all possible with this CNC machine. When using a CNC drill service, the steps followed include the CAM/CAD files uploaded and accessed by the operator. The user then secures the specified material on a flat surface and instills the suitable drill bit.
The quickest machinery size for drilling openings comprises many spindles inside the turret bearing pre-mounted bits of various diameters.
4. CNC Router Machine
The working principle differs because these machines can be controlled alone by the CNC technique. You can transmit the outline you created into the system and run it on a CNC router. Those routers with four or more axes are best suitable for prototype models.
5. CNC Grinders
This machine uses a rotational wheel to grind the material into the desired form. CNC grinding machines also use the ID (inner diameter) and OD (outer diameter) grinding systems substantially to acquire cylindrical parts.
Benefits Of CNC Machining
• Ideal for producing complex parts – metals, plastics, and other materials
• High levels of speed, accuracy, uniformity, and precision – can achieve accuracy within 1/1000th
• Reduced production costs
• The automation and digital template of the CNC machining process reduce human error
• The process requires fewer staff to perform the operations
• CNC machines can manufacture any texture, size, and shape as required – offers incredible versatility
• Improved safety
• Low maintenance
CNC Machine Disadvantages
•A little bit expensive than manually operated machines
• A trained operator is required to perform operations
• In case of a breakdown, an experienced and highly skilled professional is required to resolve the issue
*Compared to the disadvantages of CNC machining, there are merely a handful of its benefits, so a company must consider installing it on their premises.
CNC Industrial Applications
Industrial sectors require products that are dependable, well-made, and precise. Popular CNC industrial applications include:
Metal Fabrication Industry
Industries that require thin plates use CNC machines to create these plates. The machining operations include laser cutting, plasma or flame cutting, forming, welding, and shearing.
CNC laser and plasma cutters help shape metal while turret presses are used to punch holes.
Metal Removal Applications
Industries that require metal removal use CNC machines for this purpose. The machines create complex parts by removing excess metal from raw materials. For example, automotive industries widely use CNC machines where gears and shafts are carved from raw materials. Likewise, it is used in the industries for producing rounded, rectangular, square, and even threaded jobs – it carries out and controls all processes, including boring, milling, grinding, turning, and reaming, using specific tools for each task.
1. CNC lathe machining can manufacture various structures utilizing ID and OD. The diverse sectors include:
• Automotive
• Aerospace parts production
• Shipbuilding industries
Further examples include in making:
• Baseball bats or other sports equipment
• Musical instruments
• Furniture parts
2. CNC routers and CNC milling machines both cut materials. The type of material they cut distinguishes them.
• The milling type is suitable for solid objects, such as metal and hard plastic.
• CNC routers cut and carve softer components like wood and plastic. Delicate material such as glass and window panes may also get cut.
3. Other functional items need an accurate and precise finishing ground. CNC grinding includes:
• Camshafts
• Ball bearings
•Transmission shafts
Other applications include the following:
• R&D or Prototyping
• Transportation
• Dental
• Electronics
• Construction
• Firearms
• Food and Beverage
• Agriculture
• Military and Defense
Shop from Us!
Worthy Hardware Co., Ltd was established in 1998 as a Precision CNC Contract Machine Shop. The brand specializes in machined components and assemblies and has met the needs of leading industrial OEM manufacturers, known for providing the best quality, pricing, and delivery. For customers who need all the services from a single vendor, WORTHY HARDWARE is a one-stop shop. Moreover, the company is pleased to provide the most up-to-date CNC tech. For instance, purchasing distinctive machinery components may seem expensive at first. Our team can assist you in selecting the best option while saving you time and money. Hence, you remain satisfied with your decision. We’re open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week
Worthy Hardware is a CNC manufacturing and sheet metal fabrication company,including CNC machining services,CNC milling services, CNC turning services, laser cutting services and stamping services.Call us +86-76989919645 or email us [email protected] for more discounts for your projects.