The 3 Types of Computer Numerical Control Machining Operations

Posted by kusum on January 27th, 2020

Computer numerical control is now still being upgraded to multiple machine tools and also many machines are being developed for the sole aim of fitting the existing CNC machines. CNC is also being upgraded in the background and the latest technology is being developed.

What are computer numerical control machines?

Modern machines for computer numerical control (CNC) are engineered for speed and precision. The slide-way should, therefore, allow comparatively low friction and lack of stick-slip to move in the feed direction. The variety of options includes plain bearing slide-ways, hydrostatic slide-ways, rolling element slide-ways, and air bearing slide-ways, as with spindle bearings. Many factors are the same as for bearings with spindles. Several slide-way settings are frequently used. These include vee and flat slides, slides of double-vee, square and flat, slides of double-square and round.

2 prominent types of computer numerical control machines:

Retrofitted Types of CNC Machine

Retrofitting means devices that were initially built with old pre-CNC technology but which were subsequently modified with CNC programming to enhance their effectiveness and functionality. Many of today's new milling machines have been specially designed with CNC technology and offer unique features such as integrated tool changers and safety sensors. The most common examples are milling machines, lathes, and grinders.

Custom-Built Types of CNC Machine

Customized CNC control systems models were built specifically for the CNC programming interface. Often they are newer, sleeker, more effective and more costly than their retrofit counterparts. Common examples include CNC routers, 3-D printers, metrology machines, laser and plasma cutters, pick-and-place machines.

CNC Machines for the Communications Industry

Computer numerical control machine services for the communications industry provides accurately designed parts to support this swiftly evolving sector. Communications enterprises depend on their equipment design on premium quality components. Lower quality can result in failure of equipment, resulting in interrupted calls, poor video transmission, and blackouts of satellite broadcasts.

CNC machining is one of the best ways to guarantee that telecommunications equipment is accurately produced. Computer technology enables complex specialty components to be designed and produced. A number of creative machining methods are available to CNC machinists that allow them to generate even the most complex parts.

CNC milling promotes innovative design with precision products due to the precise capacities of computer-controlled production. CNC technologies can readily shape components from high-strength materials like stainless steel, steel, brass, and aluminum. Furthermore, the manufacturing of CNC is highly effective, generating high volume orders in a minimum of time. The components they require are the same as the communications and telecommunications sectors continue to develop. The mobile industry is moving rapidly from 4G to 5G technology, requiring advanced prototypes. Communication equipment manufactured by CNC will remain up-to-date for present and future technologies.

Types of CNC Machining Operations

1. CNC Milling

Milling is a method of machining that uses rotating multipoint cutting tools to extract content from the workpiece. In CNC milling, typically the computer numerical control machine supplies the workpiece to the cutting tool in the same manner as the rotation of the cutting tool, whereas the device pushes the workpiece in a reverse manner to the rotation of the cutting tool in manual milling. The milling process' operational capacities include face milling— cutting shallow, smooth surfaces, and flat-bottom cavities into the workpiece — and peripheral milling— cutting profound cavities into the workpiece, such as slots and threads.

2. CNC Turning

Turning is a method of machining that uses single-point cutting tools to extract content from the rotating workpiece. In computer numerical control turning, the CNC machine— typically a lathe or rotating machine — feeds the cutting tool with linear motion along the surface of the rotating workpiece and removes material around the circumference until the required diameter is reached. Boring, facing, grooving, and thread cutting are the operational skills of the turning method.

3. CNC Drilling

Drilling is a machining process that produces cylindrical holes in the workpiece utilizing multi-point drill bits. In CNC drilling, the CNC machine typically carries the rotating drill bit perpendicular to the ground area of the workpiece, creating vertically aligned holes with diameters equivalent to the diameter of the drill bit used for drilling. With the help of dedicated machine configurations and work holding devices, angular drilling activities can also be carried out. The drilling process's operational capacities include counterboring, countersinking, reaming, and tapping.

The big picture for computer numerical control machines

The computer numerical control machines market will continue to enhance the capabilities of small- and mid-sized manufacturers into the future. CNC machines are becoming progressively cost-effective, which implies more money in your pocket.  The manufacturing companies that correctly use the latest computer numerical control machine will see the occurrence of increased profitability, with quality control and restricted labor costs at the forefront.  They place manufacturing directly in the hands of companies and customers who use it for all sorts of things from prototype production to custom tools. In short, expect to see higher connectivity between computer numerical control machines doing more and doing it quicker, and relying less on human operators.