What is CNC Machining?
CNC machining is a method of mechanical processing by applying modern CNC technology (computer numerical control) to achieve high accuracy and fast working speed.
In CNC machining, machines remove material from a solid to create a part based on a CAD model. CNC produces parts with very tight tolerances and excellent material properties, with high repeatability, thus optimizing costs when producing low to medium volume parts (up to 1000 parts).
Referring to CNC machining, the two main machining methods commonly used in manufacturing are milling and turning. This article will give you an overview of the basic principles of machining technology and the working mechanism of milling and how you can find the best cnc machining parts supplier. You can refer to yijin hardware for your cnc matching needs.
CNC milling machine is the most common CNC machine architecture. In CNC milling, the parts are mounted on the table and the material is removed using rotary cutting tools.
How does CNC milling work?
Basic CNC Milling Process
The CAD model is converted into a sequence of commands that can be understood with the CNC machine (G code). This is usually done on the machine by the operator, using the technical drawings provided.
A block of material (called a work piece) is cut to size and solidified on a table to be shaped through a fixture or mounted directly on the table. small milling machine To ensure machining accuracy, work pieces need to be positioned and aligned precisely using special measuring tools (touch probes).
Material is removed from the block to shape the part using specialized cutting tools that rotate at very high speeds (thousands of rpm). To achieve precise forming, the work piece is first roughed by rapid material removal with low precision (approximate shape). One or more finishing-finishing toolpaths are then used to form the final product.
If the model has locations where the cutting tool cannot be machined in a single pass (e.g. has a slot in the back), the part should be flipped and the steps above repeated.
How Does CNC Turning Work?
In CNC turning, the work piece is mounted on a rotating chuck and the material is removed using stationary cutting tools. In this way, parts with symmetry along their central axis can be formed. Turning parts will be produced faster and cheaper than milling parts.
Basic Steps For Manufacturing A Part By CNC Turning
The G-code is generated from the CAD design and the work piece of the appropriate diameter is fed into the cnc machining parts.
The work piece begins to rotate at high speed and the stationary cutting tool follows the programmed turning profile, gradually removing material until the designed part is reached. Holes along the center axis can also be machined, using a center drill and internal cutting tool.
If the part needs to be flipped or moved, the process is repeated. Otherwise, the part will be cut from the billet and ready for the next production steps.
Usually, CNC lathes are used to create cylindrical parts. Cylindrical parts can be manufactured using modern multi-axis CNC turning systems, which are also equipped with CNC milling tools. These systems combine the high productivity of CNC turning with CNC milling capabilities and can produce a very large range of geometries with loose rotational symmetry, such as camshafts and radial compressor rotors.
CNC Machining Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantage:
CNC machining gives very good accuracy and repeatability, and can produce parts with very small tolerances, suitable for high-end requirements.
CNC materials have excellent and uniform physical properties in different environments and are suitable for most engineering applications.
CNC machining is the most cost effective manufacturing method for producing metal parts in low or medium quantities (from sample production to mass production up to 1000 units).
Disadvantages
Due to the nature of CNC machining, which removes material from the work piece, some shapes are very expensive or impossible to produce.
The starting cost of CNC machining is high due to the investment in machinery
Final Words
CNC machining is an extremely popular metalworking method, accounting for more than 50% of the production activities of enterprises and factories because the products made are basic details for mechanical machines or other components. Details, components and spare parts of the current machinery manufacturing, automobile and motorcycle manufacturing industry. A CNC milling/turning machine can be applied to many operations thanks to its wide technological capabilities, making it a basic and indispensable machine tool for any small and medium-sized mechanical workshop as well as manufacturing enterprises.
