Introduction to CNC Machining
CNC machining has always emphasized the improvement of material processing precision and accuracy and the improvement of operating processes, so that most production processes can be completed on a single machine, thereby increasing overall output and efficiency and reducing costs.
1.What is CNC machining?
Computer numerical control is abbreviated as CNC. In this computerized manufacturing process, production equipment is driven by pre-programmed software and code.
CNC machining uses complex machinery such as grinders, lathes, and milling machines to cut, shape, and produce various components and prototypes. CNC machinists use a combination of mathematical concepts, technical drawings, mechanical design, and computer programming to manufacture a variety of metal and plastic parts. CNC operators can transform sheet metal into critical vehicle or aircraft components.
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of CNC machining and explore the different types of machines used and their applications.
2.How CNC Machine Tools Work
CNC systems use dedicated computers to perform all necessary tasks according to the execution program stored in the computer’s memory. To initiate activities such as motor starting and stopping, coolant opening and closing, tool changing, pallet movement, and other temporary tasks, the system sends commands to servo drives, which operate servo motors.
When a system issues a command, it must ensure that a specific task is completed. The “feedback device” is responsible for completing this task. The motor receives continuous position data from devices such as linear scales, encoders, resolvers, etc. Several sensors are used as feedback devices to track various operations, including proximity switches, limit switches, pressure switches, flow switches, and float switches.
Therefore, the entire operation of the CNC machine is continuously monitored by the appropriate feedback mechanism. For this reason, the CNC system is called a “closed loop” system, and when there is any failure in the feedback, the system generates a “fault message”.
3.Types of CNC Machine Tools
- CNC Milling Machine
- CNC Engraving Machine
- CNC Lathe
- CNC Laser Cutting Machine
- CNC Plasma Cutting Machine
- CNC Electric Discharge Machine (EDM)
- CNC Water Jet Cutting Machine
- CNC Grinding Machine
- CNC Drilling Machine
- Six-axis CNC Machine Tool
- Types of CNC Machine Tools
- Drill Bit
- End Mill
- Face Mill
- Reamer
- Gear Mill
- Hollow Mill
- Thread Mill
- Slab Mill
- Flying Cutter
4.Application of CNC Machining in Various Industries
1) Aerospace Industry
CNC machining and the aerospace industry have a long history. Metal aircraft parts are machined with the highest precision. This is absolutely necessary for safety-critical applications. In addition, aerospace engineers have many possibilities due to the wide variety of metal technologies suitable for CNC machining.
In the aerospace sector, CNC machining has a variety of reliable applications. Engine mounts, fuel flow components, landing gear components, and fuel access panels are a few examples of aerospace parts that can be machined.
2) Automotive Industry
CNC milling machines are often used in the automotive industry for production and prototyping. Extruded metal can be machined into a variety of components, including transmissions, axles, valves, and cylinder blocks. Conversely, CNC machinery is used to manufacture components such as plastic dashboards and fuel gauges.
CNC machining is also beneficial in the automotive sector when it comes to making unique, custom parts. With the help of CNC, other replacement parts can also be produced. This is because of the short turnaround time and no minimum part quantity requirements.
3) Marine Industry
The marine industry builds water vehicles that can be used all over the world, so it needs skilled workers. This is only possible through CNC machining.
4) Electronics Industry
In the electronics industry, CNC machining is used for both prototyping and manufacturing actual products.
5) Defense Industry
The needs of the military and defense industries are similar to those of the aerospace industry. CNC systems have a variety of uses in these industries, from making complex custom designs for weapon airframes to manufacturing parts inside missiles.
6) Healthcare Industry
Another key need for medical industry equipment is a precise and smooth surface finish. Many devices are implanted in the patient’s body and remain there, such as bone screws and bone plates. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the patient does not feel pain.
Injection molding can be used to make some plastic parts. However, CNC machining is the only way to produce metal parts and any complex components.
7) Robotics and Automation Industry
The robotics and automation industry has made great progress due to the endless opportunities in this field, but it is still in its early stages. CNC machining provides a way to meet these possibilities by producing parts that meet the required functions. These include:
- Robotic Arm
- End Effector
- Sensor
- Fixture
- Jig
- Controller
8) Electric Vehicles
Every electric vehicle that leaves the factory has fewer moving parts than its predecessor that uses fossil fuel engines. CNC machining is the only way to achieve this goal because it can create many parts in one component, which previous generations of cars could not do.
9) Drones
CNC technology can be used to manufacture unmanned vehicle parts made of metals, polymers, composites, foams, and other materials. Its accuracy and repeatability are very high.
10) Custom Parts
Modern manufacturing is beginning to rely more and more on new technologies that make it possible to manufacture custom parts that are machined to meet the specific needs of each customer. CNC machines can do this kind of work quickly, accurately, and in many different ways.
5.Conclusion
After reading the above information, it is obvious that CNC machines can be used for many different things. This technology is used directly or indirectly in almost every industry you can think of. It is impossible to list every machine in any industry that uses CNC systems or parts are made by CNC. No matter what industry you are in, there is a CNC machining technology that can meet your needs.