Types and Uses of CNC Machines
Technology advancements have upgraded the lives of humans around the globe. Whether an international company or a small business, technology is needed everywhere. Every small or big gadget, from mobile phones to laptops, always helps you in every way possible.
Nowadays, CNC machines are gaining a lot of popularity. If you don’t know what CNC is, keep reading this article. CNC stands for computer numerical control. This machinery is operated by computer systems and is very helpful in manufacturing. They offer the high accuracy, efficiency and consistency required in a particular field of work.
CNC machines are available in different types and serve different purposes. In this extensive guide, you can learn more about the types of CNC machines and their uses.
CNC Machining
CNC machining is a basic term used for various machining applications. As mentioned earlier, "CNC" is the abbreviation for Computer Numerical Controlled. It refers to the programmable capabilities of machines that allow them to do several functions with a very little workforce. This kind of machining is the manufacture of components using CNC-controlled machines.
The word describes a series of subtractive manufacturing procedures that remove material from a workpiece or bar to produce an end component. There are five basic types of CNC machining performed by five various types of CNC machines.
These procedures help in several applications across various industries, including aerospace, oil and gas, industrial, medical, hydraulics and firearms. Many materials can be CNC machined, including metals, glass, plastics composites, and wood.
CNC machining has many advantages over machining without CNC programming capabilities. Cycle times are dramatically reduced, finishing is improved, multiple features can be completed simultaneously, and quality and consistency are improved. Suitable for medium to high volume requirements requiring precision and complexity.
Types of CNC Machines
Mentioned below are some of the CNC machine types and uses:
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CNC Turning And Lathes Machines
CNC turning and lathes are notable for their ability to turn (rotate) material during machining. The cutting tools in this machinery are fed in one straight motion along the rotating bar stock. Remove the surrounding material until the desired diameter is achieved.
A subset of the CNC Lathe is the CNC Swiss Lathe, a machine operated by Pioneer Service. The stock bar rotates on a CNC Swiss lathe and slides axially into the machine through a guide bushing (retention mechanism). It provides much better material support (resulting in better or tighter tolerances) than the tool machine's part features.
CNC lathes and lathes can make external and internal features of components. Components manufactured on CNC turning and lathe centers include bolts, screws, shafts and plates. Lithium boat batteries are very useful and work well with some CNC machines.
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CNC Milling Machinery
CNC milling machinery is characterized by the ability to rotate the cutting tool while the workpiece/block of material remains stationary. Many geometries can be machined, including face milling features (flat surfaces and cavities in workpieces) and peripheral milling features. The components produced by the CNC milling machines are usually rectangular or square, with various features.
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CNC Laser Machinery
These machines have sharpened cutters with extremely focused laser beams to precisely cut or engrave materials. The laser heats and melts or evaporates the material and cuts into it. The material is usually in sheet form, and the laser light moves forwards and backward through the stuff to cut it precisely.
This procedure can create a huge variety of designs than traditional cutting machines ( turning centers, lathes, milling machines), often producing cuts and edges that work well without additional finishing procedures. The CNC laser engraving machine is widely used for part marking on machined parts. For instance, it can be very hard to incorporate a logo or company name into a CNC-turned or machined part. However, it can also be applied to the component by laser engraving after complete processing.
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CNC Electrical Discharge Machinery
A small part is placed below the electrode wire, and the machine is programmed to create an electrical discharge from the wire to produce intense heat (up to 21,000 degrees Fahrenheit). Materials are melted or washed away with liquids to create desired shapes and properties.
EDM is most commonly used to create precision micro holes, slots, tapered or angled features, and a variety of more complex features in components and workpieces. It is typically helpful for very hard or thick metals that are difficult to machine into desired shapes and properties. A good example of this is standard equipment.
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Plasma Cutting Machinery
CNC plasma cutting machines are also used for cutting materials. However, they perform this process using a powerful, computer-controlled plasma (electronically ionized gas) torch. Similar to handheld gas welding torches (up to 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit), plasma torches reach up to 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit. A plasma torch melts the workpiece and cuts into the material. This machine requires that the material being cut is electrically conductive. Typical materials are steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass and copper.
Precision CNC Machining offers a wide range of part manufacturing and finishing capabilities in a shop floor environment. Depending on the deployment environment, materials required, lead time, volume, budget, and features required, there is usually the best way to achieve the desired result. Many CNC machinery manufacturers like active wear manufacturers, mobile phones and other gadgets manufacturers exist.
Conclusion
It was everything about the different types of CNC machines and their uses. If you want to buy a CNC machine, make sure you learn and understand everything about it and then decide. Also, this guide will help you understand how to check the details of the machines and acquire knowledge about their working.
