1. CNC Machining Improves Automation

This can be considered to be the biggest advantage of choosing the CNC manufacturing process over others. The automation eliminates the need to have operators for the work. Only a few operators are needed to enjoy high quality results. The machines can actually be left without any attendance for hours and days and still deliver the expected results on all the tasks. Any company choosing these machines will definitely enjoy fewer expenses on operators and this leads to savings in the long run which is good for any business. It also eliminates the chances of having operators injured in the line of duty.

The automation brought in by CNC hastens the process as compared to relying on human machinists. The machines are faster and stronger and do not require any breaks; hence, the delivery time is quite impressive.

2. CNC Machining Is Consistent

The other major advantage of CNC precision machining is that it offers consistent results all the time. Compared to human control which can still give minor variations and errors with the finished results, the machines produce the same results every time they are run. This eliminates the expenses that come with the need to take care of errors by doing the needed work all over again since a defective cut can render an entire product or machine unusable or defective. When a single program is developed for a particular product or machine, then the clients can expect top quality and consistency with every component manufactured by these machines. The creation of replicas needed in manufacturing is made quite easy by the process.

3. CNC Machining Offers Flexibility

This is considering that it won’t take time to make changes as it is usually the case with humans who must undergo training to make them flexible to any changes that are needed. The machines can be reprogrammed within hours to have them functioning as desired. The CNC machining flexibility advantage makes it possible to have a whole new product created in a matter of hours by simply installing new programs and resetting the machines. Even with the creation of new programs, the older programs can still be referred back to when the need arises. It is this flexibility that makes the machines quite effective in manufacturing different kinds of components and parts for one production.

CNC, computer numeric control, machine systems are a type of machining equipment controlled by computers. In a nutshell, computer aided design (CAD) software is used to produce a design for a part to be machined. This design is translated into numbers and coordinates. The CNC machine system can then “read” these instructions and move the machining tools to the precise coordinates. Thus, the parts are cut and shaped to the exact specifications of the design, every time.

A Brief History of CNC Machines

Numeric control machines have been in existence since the 1950s, getting their instructions from punched tape. The idea eventually caught on with manufacturers, but each wanted to create its own language. In the 1960s, a standard language, G-Code, was adopted and standardized for part programs. At the same time, computer aided design arrived on the scene, as did a few affordable mini-computers. As the economy slowed and labor costs rose in the 1970s, companies gravitated toward computer numeric control machining.

Advances in personal computers and cheaper, more powerful microprocessors soon followed, opening computer numeric control to markets of all sizes including to hobbyists. Today, numerous CNC software exists including open source CNC software.

How CNC Machines Work

In order to begin cutting parts, the machine must have instructions to follow. Remember that G-Code that was standardized in the 1970s? This is a “Go” code that tells the computer numeric control machine where to go, at which point to turn, and when to cut. M codes are used to tell the machine when to turn on additional devices or add fluids. These codes are generated by CAM software and then loaded onto the machine via flash storage devices or even Wi-Fi if so equipped.

Once the computer numeric control machine is loaded, the CNC operator will need to place the component to be cut into the machine, preparing and securing it as needed. From there, the machine operator will start the machine and monitor operations. The CNC machine will follow its instructions, making the CNC operator’s job at this point fairly easy. However, supervision is a must in case a problem occurs that needs troubleshooting.

What are CNC Machines Used For?

Computer numeric control machines are used to create all kinds of products and components. CNC machines can be used to cut metal, acrylic, and other materials into precise shapes, drill holes, and grind surfaces to precise specifications. They can be used to engrave items, embroider items, cut leather, and more. From auto parts, nuts, and bolts to trophies, engraved tags, and more, CNC machining is used to create many of the components used in manufacturing. For example, if you have the iPhone 5c, your iPhone’s colorful shell was CNC’d. If you own an inkjet printer, it is a basic machine that moves the printhead along the X axis according to instructions sent to it whenever you press the “print” button.

There are many different industries that are able to take advantage of computer numerical control machine equipment, sometimes known as CNC machining. The equipment is used to fabricate smaller pieces, as well as to make larger pieces that are extremely precise. The equipment that is used with CNC machining cuts away at the unwanted material of the larger piece in order to produce a smaller part. It is a process that benefits both the manufacturer and the end-user. What are some of the specific benefits of custom CNC machining?

Easily Customizable – The software which drives the machine that is making the parts is easy to customize. By simply making some changes to the software, it can change the way that the machine works and can make changes to the piece that is being manufactured. In some cases, it may be minor changes that are made but in other cases, you can use the same equipment to manufacture multiple larger pieces as well.

Extremely Accurate – Many of the industries that take advantage of CNC machining count on the high degree of accuracy that is available. In most cases, it is possible to get an accuracy of within 0.005″, depending upon the part that is being worked. You may also find that you are receiving pieces that are much more accurate, especially if multiple pieces are being worked by the same machine continually.

Able to Work Multiple Materials – In most cases, the machines are going to work plastics but there also computer-controlled machines which work with metals and a number of other materials. This allows for the manufacturing of numerous products. It also makes it possible for multiple pieces of different materials to be produced for the same product at the same location.

Affordability – The amount that you will spend on customized CNC machining is often much less than what you will pay for rapid prototyping. Rapid prototyping makes use of 3-D CAD data through a process known as additive layer manufacturing (3-D printing) . Although this does have its place in many industries, you may find that it is more affordable to have customized parts manufactured through the use of CNC machining.

Tolerance – In a number of manufacturing industries, there is a certain degree of tolerance which is permitted when manufacturing parts. This is something that may differ, depending upon the item that is being manufactured. When customized CNC machining is utilized, it holds to very tight tolerances, which helps to make a consistent piece that will be of benefit to your customer.

Although most customers do not think about the way that individual parts are made, it is important for the development of the product. CNC machining is something that can help you to develop products quickly, accurately and at a price that is affordable for the end-user. When it is necessary for you to have high tolerance and accuracy, you can count on customized CNC machining to provide you with the parts that you need. It is something that can assist in moving your business forward.

Ever since the industrial revolution, manufacturers have been finding a way to make parts with minimal mistakes as possible. The problem was that handmade parts usually had minor faults that could cause machines to break down. For instance, a small error in a groove of a screw can make an alarm clock’s hands run slower, and thus make the clock late.

A CNC machining service usually comes into conversations like these. But few people have talked about what it really is. If anyone bothered to define precision machining, it often came off too technical for a layman to understand.

Defining Precision Machining

To understand it better, let’s split precision machining into two words. Precision is all about exactness and detail. Machining, on the other hand, is the process of using equipment to make parts out of a raw material. Therefore, precision machining involves making parts that are closest to the actual blueprints or plans.

Equipment used in precision machining

Machinists don’t use manual methods. Instead, they rely on fast and accurate machines that follow the design they have in mind. Jets that spray off water at overwhelming pressure could chip off metals with ease. Most machines rely on computers to guide them in the process. Machinists only need to input the blueprints in the computers, and the machines create the outputs. The common system used is called Computer Aided Design (CAD).

But recently, lasers have become the new norm for precision machining. Lasers are faster and more accurate compared to traditional machines.

The standards of precision

Defining a CNC machining service is easy, but another question arises. How precise should machining be? Before, manufacturers made precision up to.1 of a millimeter the standard. But now, machinists could guarantee accuracy up to.005 millimeters. This is a great leap for the manufacturing industry since products have become smaller. (Moving parts for watches are so small they leave little room for error.)

Why use a CNC machining service?

If you’re into the manufacturing industry, you need to get help from experts and get precision machining services. There are several companies that specialize in machining services. However, they are differentiated by their methods. Some use lasers, other use water, while others have a different operating system.

In this world of high safety standards, your machining method could decide how efficient or safe your product could be. The next time you look at a car, a refrigerator or a watch, stop and think about the CNC machining service that made them.

Creating material objects from computer-driven machinery is undoubtedly the future of manufacturing. It is a cheap and effective way in which to produce a physical replica of a digital mock-up. There are many ways in which one can go about producing these objects but the main two ways are by using a 3D printer or CNC machining. The aim of this article is to conclude which method of creation is the most effective.

What are they?

3D printing is the process of creating various objects from a digital 3D model. This is carried out by the printer building up multiple layers of thin matter in order to produce a material reproduction. A 3D printer starts with nothing and gradually adds layers until the design is completed.

On the other hand, a Computer Numerical Control machine, otherwise known as CNC machining, removes layers from a block of matter until the sculpture is complete. It is a computerized device that creates parts of machinery for engineering and industry purposes and it does not require human beings to instruct or tell it how to function. The machine carries out its task once it has been sent commands by an internal computer.

Price

3D printing is a particularly expensive business. The resin and glued powder used to build up the fine layers is costly and they don’t produce real objects that are able to be used in practical everyday life.

With CNC machinery, the price is independent of the size and volume; therefore it works out to be considerably cheaper than 3D printing.

Materials and Accuracy

3D printers are restricted to creating objects out of a small selection of materials. This means that the created object is low quality and is likely to not be very accurate.

In terms of accuracy, CNC machinery wins every time. CNC machines are able to work with any type of material, therefore they are more useful than 3D printers as the end result is more precise.

Ease of use

In terms of use, 3D printers are particularly simple to use. They do not require a lot of assistance when they are at work.

However, CNC equipment is particularly complex. It requires human expertise and knowledge in order to safely and successfully utilise its purpose.

So, who wins?

Overall, it is fair to say that CNC machinery offers a more cost effective service in producing material objects. It considerably more difficult to use than a 3D printer, but with the right level of expertise operating the machinery, it delivers a high quality, accurate representation of the original digital image.

As many industry insiders know, CNC machining is a widely used manufacturing technique that is becoming more popular by the day. This is down to the production method’s versatility and flexibility, which allows a vast array of components to be created on one of these computer controlled machines. In this article we will look at a number of different industries that use this technology.

First of all, the cars and trucks industries are both heavy users of CNC machining. A large amount of components in the average family hatchback is made using this process of computer aided design and manufacture. This can include everything from the metal interior switches, to the petrol filler caps, to individual precision crafted components of the engine. It is the engine where this advanced technology is most useful. In the last three to five years, car manufacturers have been going great lengths to ensure the fuel efficiency of their latest models, especially in the EU, where the Union has mandated a minimum fuel efficiency level for every manufacturer’s entire range. Precision parts are therefore required to ensure there is no fuel wastage. These components are specifically engineered to incredible levels of detail and uniformity, ensuring that engines run at maximum efficiency with minimal servicing. If you’ve recently bought a new car in the last three years, you’ll probably have noticed that the levels of CO2 emissions is noticeably lower than your last car. This is all thanks to the work of CNC machining!

Another important industry that uses this advanced technology is the telecoms industry. Computer numerical controlled manufacturing is used to create the components found in the many telephony switchboxes across the world. These are essentially the arteries of the telephone and internet system, connecting the individual homes to the world wide web via the telephone exchange. Every day, millions of electrons pass through these components, which must be able to withstand changes in temperature and usage to ensure that your internet connection is not disrupted. CNC machining is a vital technology here, as without it, components would not be able to withstand the millions of hours of use they are subject to. Supposing these components were made with inferior technology, they would not be able to carry the same amount of data per second without failing regularly, which would result in higher costs, as engineers would need to be sent out regularly to fix the network. The result for the end user is that internet speeds have been able to increase dramatically over the last ten years, while typically, internet service blackouts have been declining across the board.

This is not limited to traditional landline phones or landline broadband, either. The world’s cellular networks also require precision made parts to make sure you get a strong phone signal, whether for 3G or 4G internet, or simply for calling your loved ones or a business prospect. Mobile phone networks are based on thousands of transmitters dotted around the country, each operating on a ‘cell’ – hence the name cellular phone network. These transmitters use CNC machining in everything from the individual components that make sure phone signals are not dropped, to the metal antenna of the transmitter, and even the enclosure of the unit itself.

Clearly, then this advanced manufacturing technology is what keeps the world going round, both metaphorically with communication as well as literally in the transport industry!

Machining services, especially CNC costs can inflate if you are not aware of some of the following concepts in machining. If at all possible when designing an interior pocket section of the part you need to have machined; stay away from using sharp corners by allowing for the radii of the end mill to be used. If it is absolutely necessary to have this sharp corner, there are ways of achieving this but it will increase the cost of the part. A couple of processes can suffice which are broaching and a process called “cut-away”.

Cut away is a process of cutting out the corner areas in the pocket a little deeper allowing the mating part to retain its sharp 90 degree angles while not interfering with alignment. Cutting deep pockets in to the material requires a little finesse and more time as you want to step down the end mill in small increments and run a very slow feed rate and low RPM’s. It will be necessary to use the technique of broaching if you require a pocket with sharp interior corners. It’s also probable that the company providing your machining services will use a large diameter end mill to rough and finish the pocket and use the broach technique for the corners, this will achieve the desired results but increase the time needed to machine these parts. The reason the machinist will not use a smaller radii end mill is to prevent breakage and to eliminate chatter on the material resulting in a poor finish of the part.

An additional aspect of savings when you are designing a new part is to think about how the material will be held when the machining process begins. If a part requires more than a simple vise to be secured, meaning if the part requires a custom fixture as a result of the complexity, then the costs involved will naturally be increased. If the part has parallel edges you can generally asses that a common machining vise can be used which will keep the costs as low as possible. 

If you are machining a part from a flat sheet quick fixtures can result from existing areas in the part that will be cut out of the final part. Using an area known to be cut out in the final part, the machinist will use this area with a through hole to bolt the material down to the platen while cutting away the outer dimensions and can generally clamp the material down to the platen when cutting away the interior thus saving time building a fixture. When designing your part, take this into consideration and add this as a note to your drawing. Your machinist will normally see these opportunities when assessing your drawing but it is a good idea for you to be aware of them also. Also 10 to 20 parts will cost you less than 2 parts because of the off set in the set up of the machine and the creation of the program among other related fees.