CNC machining technology is like a brief history of industrial development. In the past, human beings could only rely on measuring, cutting, and engraving by human hands. Nowadays, however, CNC machining technology is applied to automate production in a more precise and faster way. The technology not only replaces manpower, but also enables machines to perform more precise and accurate calculations, and make great progress in efficiency and quality.
1.CNC Machining Technology
CNC, short for Computer numerical control, is a computer-aided production method. Through digital manufacturing, the production process can be more accurate and efficient, and the production quality can be improved. It plays an important role in the process of modern industrial manufacturing.
The design process of CNC machining and manufacturing is carried out by computers. The engineer will first build a model of the product on the computer design software and produce a CAD file.
Then the CAD file will be converted into G code for the machine to read. During this process, the engineer will set up all the details in the CNC machining process, including which tools to be used, the order, speed, and timing of these tools, cutting angles, etc.
After inputting the steps, the machine will follow these commands and complete the production process step by step. Needless to say, the set-up is very important to the machining process.
After the confirmation, the machining begins. The CNC routers will automatically produce according to the settings, and the production process can be completed with almost no human intervention.
2.Multidimensional Manufacturing Process
The operation of a CNC router varies from 2.5-dimensional, 3-dimensional to 5-dimensional according to the purpose of the machine.
Taking 3-dimensional machines as an example, the operation of the machine mainly relies on the X axis (from left to right), the Y axis (from front to back), and the Z axis (from top to bottom) to control various tools to manufacture in different angles.
On the other hand, the 5-dimensional technology is based on the 3-dimension technology, adding a rotation axis to two axes. The more dimensions the router has, the wider the machine can move, and the finer the finished product will be.
The production process of CNC machining is rarely completed with a single tool. Generally speaking, the machining process relies on the use of multiple tools. The tools used to process are very diverse, and each tool has its angle and purpose.
The combination of different tools allows the manufacturing process to create more possibilities. Common tools include flat milling cutters, ball-nose milling cutters, toroidal cutters, drills, etc.
Flat milling cutters are suitable for material hollowing and vertical wall machining; ball-nose milling cutters are suitable for quickly removing material, toroidal cutters are suitable for complex 3D graphics processing, and drills are suitable for vertical hole making of parts. Milling cutters with different characteristics can make different types of cutting or engraving.
It should be noted that different materials have their tolerance for milling cutters, so the type, speed and direction of milling cutters will affect the machining results.
3.Reduce Manual Measurement Errors
When manufacturing by hand, all measurements are done by humans, so errors are inevitable in the manufacturing process. With the help of computer calculation and machine manufacturing, CNC machining can effectively avoid the error of manual measurement, making the process more accurate and effective.
CNC machining can manufacture parts with very strict tolerances. The so-called tolerance refers to the error range of the product allowed by relevant regulations. Under normal operation, the tolerance value of CNC machining is smaller than that of human hair (human hair is about 0.017mm). For example, the common tolerance of metal and plastic is about ±0.125mm, the precision manufacturing tolerance is ±0.025mm, and the tolerance of polishing and other special treatments is ±0.0012mm, making CNC machining one of the most accurate technologies among all the current manufacturing methods. .
4. Subtractive Manufacturing
CNC machining is a method of subtractive manufacturing. The so-called subtractive manufacturing, as the name suggests, is to use the method of cutting raw materials to process raw materials into parts or products.
The production method opposite to subtractive manufacturing is called additive manufacturing, or 3D printing. Compared with subtractive manufacturing, additive manufacturing produces new objects through the injection and stacking of materials during the manufacturing process.
5. Suitable for almost all materials
A quite wide range of raw materials is suitable for CNC machining, and almost all hard raw materials can be used. Common materials include metal and metal alloy, such as aluminum alloys, steel alloys, brass, etc.
Plastics, resins such as ABS, Delrin, rayon nylon, foam, and other composite materials, wood, leather, etc., are also widely used. Engineers will design the manufacturing process according to the different characteristics of the material, selecting different tools, operating rates, feed rates, and coolant levels.
Due to the fact that CNC machining is suitable for a variety of raw materials, CNC machining technology has a wide range of industrial uses. For example, from aerospace technology to the manufacture of sports goods, all can rely on CNC machining technology to complete manufacturing.
6. Suitable for medium-volume industrial manufacturing
CNC machining is a highly automated manufacturing technology. In the manufacturing process, the machine can complete the production according to the instructions, which greatly shortens the manufacturing time and avoids possible errors in manual manufacturing. The cost of repetitive manufacturing is much lower, and there is no need to redesign and measure: as long as the original CAD file is imported, and set up, products can be automatically produced. Therefore, CNC machining is very advantageous for medium-volume manufacturing.
Conclusion
With the popularization of CNC machining technology, CNC routers are no longer exclusive for factories. CNC technology has gradually become part of our daily life. More and more manufacturers are developing smaller CNC routers with lighter bodies, simple and clear assembly processes, diversified specifications, to meet consumers with different demands.
With simple instructions, you can use the CNC routers at home to complete simple industrial designs. Even though you might not have the best technique, you can design your own unique artwork on wood and leather, and enjoy your own home studio!
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