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What is CNC machining?

What is CNC machining?

Jun 03, 2019

What is CNC machining?

Computer numerical control (CNC) machining is a form of subtractive manufacturing, meaning that material gets removed (rather than added) during the production process. This means CNC machining starts with a block of material (called a blank), and uses fast-moving cutters to quickly carve away material and create the finished part.

 

This essentially makes it the opposite of additive manufacturing (e.g. 3D printing), where three dimensional objects are created layer-by-layer from materials loaded into 3D printing machines.

 

Crucially, CNC machining is also a metal fabrication method where written code controls the CNC machinery in the manufacturing process. Let’s take a closer look at what this means:

 

How do CNC machines work?

As we just touched on, CNC machines are run by a digitalised computer that automates, monitors, and controls the movement of an industrial machine. In large industrial plants, the computer is usually installed in the machines, but for hobbyists’ machines, the computer is generally attached externally.

 

The exact movements that this code controls depends on the type of CNC machine that is being used. Let’s take a look at some of the most common CNC machines in use today, and how they work:

 

Types of CNC Machines

#1 CNC milling machines

CNC milling is one of the most common types of CNC machining, known for its great accuracy and tolerances. CNC machines feature built-in tools for drilling and cutting, and after materials are placed inside them, the computer will guide the drilling and cutting tools to work their magic.

 

#2 CNC lathe machines

CNC turning is essentially the opposite to CNC milling, as instead of the cutting tools moving to cut material away, the material itself is rotated as it is cut. CNC lathe machines feature a lathe in the center that manipulates and moves the material into the position as programmed on the computer. This is another of our talented partners’ specialties!

 

#3 CNC plasma-cutting machines

Like CNC milling machines, CNC plasma-cutting machines are also used to cut materials. However, they differ from their milling counterparts as they performing this operation using a high-powered plasma torch, which can achieve temperatures up to 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit, and are strong enough to cut through rough materials like metal!

 

#4 CNC laser-cutting machines

Not to be confused with plasma-cutting CNC machines, laser-cutting CNC machines are also designed to cut through tough materials, but they use a laser to perform this task (rather than a plasma torch). These lasers tend to have a higher level of cutting accuracy, but aren’t quite as strong as plasma torches.

 

#5 CNC electric discharge machines

A CNC electric discharge CNC machine, also known as a spark CNC machine, is a special type of CNC machine that uses electrical sparks to manipulate materials into the desired shape. Materials are placed between a top and bottom electrode, after which the computer dictates how much electrical discharge the electrodes produce – and how the part is reshaped.

 

5 benefits of CNC machining

Because CNC machines allow manufacturers to automate many manufacturing processes that would otherwise have to be performed manually, they increase productivity, accuracy, and help reduce the risk of human error.

 

 

Here are 5 key ways they have transformed the world of engineering:

 

#1 CNC machining is great for creating large quantities of parts

 

It’s far cheaper to create large quantities of prototypes and parts through CNC machining than it is to go with 3D printing, so if you’re looking to create larger quantities of mechanical parts (from the higher double digits into the 100s) CNC is likely to be the most cost-effective choice.

 

#2 CNC machines can work with many materials

While 3D printing is largely focussed on plastics, CNC machines are relatively indifferent to what they are cutting – so long as the material is rigid enough not to deform or melt under the pressure of the cutting action.  Most commonly, metals used include aluminium, stainless steel, magnesium alloy, zinc alloy, titanium and brass.

 

#3 CNC machines can create parts quickly

It probably won’t come as a surprise to you that machines work quicker than humans do! When you order your CNC machined parts through PPS, we’ll not only get you a quote within 8H– you’ll receive the finished products in as little as 2 days!

 

#4 CNC machines are highly accurate

To give you an idea of how accurate they are, at PPS, our standard CNC tolerance is +/- 0.127mm, and when you use our tolerance configurator, you can expect precision machining down to +/- 0.005mm.

 

#5 CNC machining allows for a variety of post-processing and finishing options

 

For example, at PPS, we offer high-quality finishing processes for most CNC machined parts; from anodising, polishing and plating, to heat treatment, powder coating and more.

 

Which industries use CNC machining?

At PPS, we are proud to offer CNC machining capabilities for an extremely wide range of industries. From aerospace and energy products to electronics and automotive goods, we’ve seen firsthand how useful beautifully CNC machined parts can be used for almost any and every industry.

 

In particular, we’ve seen CNC machining being very important to engineers in sectors where high accuracy is absolutely necessary, such as the aerospace industry, robotics industry and the medical industry.

 

However, it is also used in a wide range of other industries, such as:

 

Electrical

Defence

Mining

Industrial machinery

Food & beverage

Clothing

Automotive

Agriculture

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