Introduction
Precision is something we always seek in the field of manufacturing and machines. Machines that are precise can be the difference between precisely meeting requirements and coming close. That’s a significant difference. CNC (computer numerical control) equipment can offer the machine precision you require.
What is CNC Machining?
CNC machining can be defined as when a computer creates instructions for how a machine will cut, grind, drill, or otherwise alter a material’s shape or size. CNC is a significant improvement of NC, which stands for “numerical control.” NC necessitates the intervention of a human programmer to determine the necessary tool paths for manufacturing. Cartesian coordinate programming is at the heart of both NC and CNC, with tool paths generated by specifying coordinates in X, Y, and Z.
How Does CNC Machining Work?
Four distinct steps can be identified in the mechanism of CNC machining.
- Create A CAD Design
The first step is to create a computer-aided design in 2D or 3D format. Using CAD software, this is possible. With the necessary technical requirements, the software allows you to render whatever parts you desire. There is a slight restriction, though. The characteristics of the workpiece have a significant impact on the design and final result. This topic will be covered under materials for CNC machining.
- Convert the CAD File to A CNC Program
The CAD file must then be transformed into a CNC-compatible file format. The CNC program will examine the CAD file to create the necessary programming codes for the procedure.
To understand the foundations of CNC machining, you should be familiar with two types of code. The G-code (Geometric Code) and M-code are these (Machine code). G-code manages actions on the machine. For instance, it manages when, how, and how quickly it moves and the route it follows. The M-code, on the other hand, manages the variables that influence the machine’s capabilities. For instance, it regulates how the machine cover is removed and put back on.
- Set Up the CNC Machine
The CNC machine can be set up in two different ways. One is that you need to inspect the CNC machine to see how it is doing. Fixing the workpiece to the machine is the second step. While you assemble the necessary equipment and parts, you can fix the workpiece directly into the machine.
- Execute the Operation
You can start the CNC program once the CNC machine has been configured. The CNC program manages all operations performed by the CNC machine. It directs the machine’s movements and operations to produce the desired outcome.
Modern CNC machining just needs a CAD file to be uploaded. The CNC program will examine the CAD file to determine whether the design is feasible.
Types of CNC Machining
The most typical CNC machining processes include
- CNC Drilling
Multi-point drill bits are used in the machining process of drilling to create cylindrical holes in the workpiece. CNC machines normally feed the spinning drill bit perpendicular to the plane of the workpiece’s surface to produce vertically aligned holes with sizes equal to the drill bit used for the drilling operation. But specialized machine setups and work holding equipment can also carry out angular drilling operations. The drilling process has the operational capabilities of counterboring, countersinking, reaming, and tapping.
- CNC milling
The machining process known as milling removes the material from the workpiece using spinning, multi-point cutting tools. In manual milling, the machine feeds the workpiece in the opposite direction from the cutting tool’s rotation; in CNC milling, however, the workpiece is often fed to the cutting tool by the CNC machine in the same rotational direction as the cutting tool. The milling process has two operational capabilities: face milling, which creates shallow, flat surfaces and flat-bottomed cavities in the workpiece, and peripheral milling, which creates deep cavities, like slots and threads, in the workpiece.
- CNC turning
Single-point cutting tools are used in turning machining to remove material from the revolving workpiece. CNC turning machines, also known as CNC lathes, are used to create cylindrical parts with external and internal characteristics like slots, tapers, and threads by feeding the cutting tool in a linear motion along the surface of the rotating workpiece. This process continues until the desired diameter is achieved.
The turning process has the operational capabilities of boring, facing, grooving, and thread cutting. The CNC mill, with its revolving cutting tools, performs better for more complex pieces when compared to the CNC lathe. Lathes, on the other hand, produce round items more quickly and accurately due to their spinning workpieces and stationary cutting tools.
Reliable CNC machining services from Karkhana.io
The widespread use in industries is evidence of the popularity of CNC machining. Another indication is the number of businesses offering services to individuals or organizations in need. At Karkhana.io, we’ve made connecting with a reliable CNC machining service provider easier than ever.
If you are in need of CNC expertise for your production requirements. We recommend you begin by signing up on our digital platform.
