CNC Machining is short for Computer Numerical Control machining. It is a sophisticated method using automated machines to manufacture parts and components using materials such as metal, wood, and plastics as the most commonly used commercially. CNC Machining utilizes the use of computer programs to command machinery and tools to produce results with extreme accuracy and consistency.
While allowing users and manufacturers to save time and labor costs, maintaining high-quality production and human error reduction is also a major contributing factor as to why it is important in today’s time. The machines used are also capable of operating 24/7, 365 days a year without interruption.
These days, fast is key to success. Rapid Prototyping plays an important role for engineers in creating and testing new concepts for immediate use.
CNC Machine Production
Using the machine involves the proper steps and process of crafting to create precise parts and components to use. To be able to produce said parts, here are some of the steps to have an insight into the bigger picture.
1. The first thing you need to do is to create a rough draft or even an idea of what to make.
2. Create a CAD design.
A CAD design typically requires the expertise and knowledge of an engineer to create a design or concept for a specific use.
3. Create a toolpath for the machine.
A toolpath is an instruction that uses computer software to tell the machine how to shape the material. This computer software instruction is also known as the G-Code.
4. Set up the machine.
In this step, you will need the raw materials in place whether wood, steel, plastic, aluminum, etc. Place the necessary cutting tools such as drills, mills, or lathes. You will also need to secure your working area, clean and ready to use.
Advantages of CNC Machining.
1. The most important thing to consider when comes to manufacturing is labor.
CNC machines are capable of operating for 1 year without interruptions all the while maintaining productivity and the best part about it is the machine does all the work.
While some industries suffer the consequences of high labor costs, owning such a machine completely eliminates this problem.
2. Faster production
The second best thing in owning this equipment. Although it may come with a price tag in acquiring one of these, the upside is that faster production means more income. The game is to generate more in less time. That’s where the money is.
3. Eliminating human error.
Mistakes come with a price. Sometimes irreparable, sometimes minute but we don’t want the latter. Thus, a computer-operated production eliminates this problem.
4. Capable of manufacturing complicated components and/or parts.
With the ever-evolving technology in our world, we need not only the sturdiest parts but also complex materials that perform a function. CNC machines can create very complex pieces, from the regular-sized to the tiniest parts.
There are a lot more advantages that CNC Machines offer. That is why such machines are trusted by many industries and their countless applications.
Who Benefits from CNC Machining?
Some notable industries that benefit are automotive, electronics, woodwork, medical, firearms, and aerospace. All of which require the necessary precise parts and components produced by this technology to ensure the safety, functionality, and compatibility being applied for daily consumer use.
1. Automotive
Thousand of parts are found within the cars we drive every day. Most of the important parts in the engine need to be very precise in order to function well. There are also parts in the transmissions that are impossible to make by hand given the required precision. The gears, cylinder heads, and pistons are the most common parts manufactured.
2. Electronics
There are tiny pieces in phones, watches, computers, televisions, radios, and many more that are impossible to build or make manually. Parts such as sockets, connectors, casings, and even the tiniest screws and bolts are made by this technology.
3. Woodwork
There are also products made of wood of course. Some of these products are shelving, picture frames, furniture, chess pieces, wooden signs, and plaques. You may think that most of these can be made by hand but let me remind you that the machines eliminate labor costs and produce quicker. Not unless your hobbies include woodwork.
4. Medical
Medical parts need to be as precise as perfect because they’re in the business of saving lives. And by saving lives, you need to have the best equipment made out of the best components and parts. Stethoscopes, scalpels, some parts in hospital beds, wheelchairs, and forceps, are some examples.
5. Firearms
Just like any other product, guns also have tiny parts that only with the help of CNC can produce. The barrel, trigger, magazine, trigger guard, stocks, bullet casings, and projectiles are some.
6. Aerospace
Carrying passengers is very important. Much so that their safety is the topmost priority of airline companies. It is safe to say that they’re not in the flying business but in the safety business. Just like cars, there are parts in the airplane engine that need CNC machining services. NASA is also very dependent on the technology since they need new prototype parts every now and then. Complex parts are in demand in space exploration thus needing the ability of such machines to produce high quality, precise, and complex parts to perform complex functions.
Conclusion
To sum everything up, almost all industries today utilize the importance of CNC machines. These machines have given us the advantage of making parts that require little to no effort just by giving instructions using an instruction code from software. The products that we enjoy now would not be complete if these things never existed in the first place. It would be a lot harder for industries to cater to demands economically.
Now that you know how, what do you want to make?