Common CNC Operations Across the Industry
CNC Milling
CNC machining, the full name of Computer Numerical Control machining, is a high-precision and high-efficiency manufacturing process. It uses computer programs to control and automate machine tools to achieve precise cutting and shaping of workpieces. The following is an introduction to CNC machining:
One thing that makes CNC milling process different is workpiece placement. Typically, the workpiece remains stationary and the cutting tool moves around in different directions. The cutting tool moves according to the computer program and removes material accordingly.
The cutting tools can be rotated at high speeds to create precise cuts and shapes, and the machine can be programmed to make multiple passes to achieve the desired final product.
CNC Turning
CNC turning is another integral operation that creates cylindrical parts with high levels of accuracy and precision. The turing process itself is quite simple. Mount the cylindrical part on the machine, which will rotate and the cutting tool will be along the perpendicular and rotational axis.
CNC turning is a common process in the production of different components, including engine parts, shafts, bushings, and gears. The process offers several advantages over traditional manual turning, including increased consistency, repeatability, and efficiency.
There are several types of CNC turning machines, including lathes, turning centers, and Swiss-style lathes. The choice of machine and cutting tool will depend on the specific requirements of the workpiece and the desired end product.
CNC Drilling
Drilling is an important manufacturing process that creates different-sized holes in a workpiece. The process is completely automated because of the involvement of a computer that precisely controls the movement and speed of the drill bit.
CNC drilling is quite common in many industries including printed circuit boards, metal parts, and plastics. The process offers several advantages over traditional manual drilling, including increased accuracy, repeatability, and efficiency.
CNC Routing
The crude operations of CNC routers are the same as milling machines. Routers generally deal with softer materials like wood while milling is common for tougher metals. Just like any CNC operation, routers also deliver excellent consistency, efficiency, and accuracy.
In the routing process, the workpiece remains completely stationary while the spindle moves in different directions. Since the routing process is for softer materials, the overall rotating speed of the spindle can be quite low. There are numerous CNC routing machines, including benchtop routers, gantry routers, and moving gantry routers. The choice of machine and cutting tool will depend on the specific requirements of the workpiece and the desired end product.
Electric Discharge Machining
An electric discharge machine (EDM) is a manufacturing process that utilizes electrical spark discharges to erode away material and produce complex shapes and geometries.
The process works by creating a spark between an electrode and the workpiece. The machinists submerge the workpiece in a dielectric fluid, which isolates the electrical energy and allows for the precise control of the spark. The spark discharge vaporizes the workpiece and removes access material to obtain the required shape.
There are two main EDM types: sinker EDM and wire EDM. Sinker EDM uses a consumable electrode to create the spark. Contrarily, wire EDM uses a thin wire that moves to and fro to create the spark.
CNC Plasma Cutting
Plasma cutting is a manufacturing process that uses a high-velocity stream of ionized gas (plasma) to cut conductive materials, such as metals. In plasma cutting, a plasma torch generates a plasma arc between an electrode and the workpiece, which has enough energy to cut through the material.
In the next step, the plasma arc melts and vaporizes the material. The process also requires a high-pressure stream of gas (such as air or nitrogen) to blow the molten material away from the cut edge. This results in a clean, precise cut with minimal deformation or discoloration. Thereby, minimizing the requirement for any post-processing.
CNC Laser Cutting
This is another common process that’s popular because of its ability to deliver precise and accurate results in the shortest time. The laser for this process is capable of cutting through most of the materials in the industry that’s one of the reasons why it’s common in most industries.
Another reason why CNC laser cutting is so popular is its repeatability. The process works perfectly for large quantities of materials and delivers the most accurate results repeatedly.
Moreover, laser cutting is a very precise process resulting in minimum wastage. Thereby making it ideal for high-value materials common in the aerospace and automotive industries.
