Introduction
CNC machining has been emphasizing the improvement of material processing precision and accuracy as well as the improvement of the operating process so that the majority of production processes can be completed on a single machine, thereby increasing overall production and efficiency and lowering costs.
What is CNC Machining?
Computerized Numerical Control is referred to as CNC. The production equipment is moved by pre-programmed software and code in this computerized manufacturing process.
The use of complicated machinery such as grinders, lathes, and turning mills to cut, shape, and produce various components and prototypes is controlled by CNC machining. CNC machinists use a combination of mathematical concepts, technical drawings, mechanical design, and computer programming to create a range of metal and plastic parts. A sheet of metal may be transformed into a crucial vehicle or airplane part by CNC operators.
We wrote a detailed article on the advantages and disadvantages of CNC machining, in case you want to read it.
CNC Machine Working Principle
A specialized computer is employed in the CNC system to carry out all necessary tasks in accordance with the executive program that is stored in the computer memory. To start activities such as motor starting and stopping, coolant on and off, tool changing, pallet shifting, etc., and other ad hoc tasks, the system sends commands to servo drives, which operate the servo motor.
When the system issues a command, it becomes necessary to make sure that the specific task has been completed. The “Feedback Devices” do this. The motor receives continuous position data from devices like linear scales, encoders, resolvers, etc. Several sensors are employed as feedback devices to track various operations, including proximity switches, limit switches, pressure switches, flow switches, and float switches.
As a result, the CNC machine’s whole functioning is continually monitored by the proper feedback mechanisms. The CNC system is hence referred to as a “Closed Loop” system, and the system creates a “Fault Message” when there is any failure in feedback.
Types of CNC machines
- CNC Milling Machines
- CNC Routing Machines
- CNC Lathe Machines
- CNC Laser Cutter Machines
- CNC Plasma Cutting Machines
- CNC Electrical Discharge Machines (EDM)
- CNC Water Jet Cutting Machines
- CNC Grinding Machines
- CNC Drilling Machines
- Six-Axis CNC Machines
Types of CNC machine tools
- Drill Bits
- End Mill
- Face Mill
- Reamers
- Gear Cutters
- Hollow Mill
- Thread Mill
- Slab Mill
- Fly Cutter
Applications of CNC Machining in Various Industries
Aerospace Industry
CNC machining and the aerospace sector have a long history together. Metal aircraft parts are machined with the highest level of accuracy. For applications that are safety-critical, this is absolutely necessary. Additionally, there are many possibilities available to aerospace engineers thanks to the variety of technical metals suitable for CNC.
In the aerospace sector, CNC machining has a variety of trustworthy applications. Engine mounts, fuel flow parts, landing gear parts, and fuel access panels are a few examples of machinable aerospace parts.
Automotive Industry
CNC milling machines are frequently used in the automotive sector for both production and prototyping. Extruded metal can be machined into a variety of components, including gearboxes, axels, valves, and cylinder blocks. Contrarily, CNC machinery is used to create components like dashboard panels and gas gauges out of plastic.
For making unique custom parts, CNC machining is also helpful in the automotive sector. With CNC, other replacement parts can also be produced. This is due to the quick turnaround times and the absence of a minimum part quantity requirement.
Marine Industry
The marine industry builds water transportation that can be used all over the world, so it needs skilled workers. This is only possible with CNC machining.
Electronics Industry
CNC machining is used in the electronics industry for both prototyping and making actual products.
Defense Industry
The military and defense industry has needs that are similar to those of the aerospace industry. CNC systems are used in a lot of different ways in these industries, from making complicated custom designs for the bodies of weapons to making the parts inside of missiles.
Healthcare Industry
Additional crucial needs for equipment used in the healthcare sector are precision smooth surface finishes. Many of these are implanted into a patient’s body and stay there, such as bone screws and plates. Therefore, it is crucial to make sure the patients are not in pain.
Injection molding can be used to create some plastic components. However, CNC machining is the only method for producing metal components and any complicated elements.
Robotics and Automation Industry
Due to the limitless opportunities in the field, the robotics and automation industry has come a long way but is still in its early phases. By producing parts that fulfill the required functions, CNC machining offers the means to accommodate these possibilities. These include, among others:
- Robotic arms
- End effectors
- Sensors
- Fixtures
- Jigs
- Controllers
- Electric Vehicle
Every electric car that comes out of the factory has fewer moving parts than its predecessors that had engines that burned fossil fuel. CNC machining is the only way to do this because it can make many parts in a single piece, which its predecessors couldn’t do.
UAV (Drones)
CNC technology can be used to make parts for unmanned vehicles out of metals, polymers, composites, foam, and other materials. There is a high level of accuracy and repeatability.
Custom Parts
The modern manufacturing industry is starting to rely more and more on new technologies that make it possible to make custom parts that are machined to meet the specific needs of each customer. CNC machines can do this kind of work quickly, accurately, and in many different ways.
Conclusion
After looking at the information above, it is clear that CNC machines can be used for many different things. This technology is used directly or indirectly in almost every industry you can think of. It would be impossible to list every piece of machinery in any industry that uses CNC systems or has parts made by CNC. No matter what industry you work in, there is a CNC machining technique that will work for your needs. At Karkhana.io, we have simplified the process of finding the right partner for getting your CNC machining requirements fulfilled.
If you wish to get CNC expertise in your city for your manufacturing needs, Karkhana.io is one of the best options out there. We service our clients everywhere in India, including cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, and Hyderabad. Our CNC services expand into all kinds of materials, including Aluminium, Brass, Nylon, PVC, Stainless Steel, Teflon, and Titanium. Our top-of-the-line CNC services include world-class CNC milling, CNC turning, Electrical discharge machining and Gear hobbing services.
Talk to us about your CNC machining needs by filling up the form below or get in touch with Alay at alay@karkhana.io
