An overview of CNC Machining or Precision Engineering

Evolution has brought human society a long way from its humble and primitive origins. Humanity’s technology has constantly grown with each passing age. Such growth occurs either through new inventions or intelligent innovations. From simple tools to machines that run on energy sources, industrial machinery has grown immensely in the past fifty years. This is especially true in the case of CNC machining.

Imagine fabricating thousands of components with your own two hands. That’s a bit too much to take, isn’t it? This is why physically operated machines are now being replaced by devices that run on computer programmes. The process used by such devices is called “Computer Numerical Control” or CNC Machining. CNC Machining is a vast and complex realm in itself.

So there is always much to learn and develop.

Let us take a deeper look into the new and modern world of CNC machining.

What is CNC Machining?

Rather than using manual labour, the process of CNC utilises machines to carry out the production tasks. Thousands of production machines are commanded by a single program entered into the system. This program contains a unique set of tasks. Once the program is entered, the computer relays this set of tasks to the machine.

The machine then carries out the actions needed to complete the task.

Now, all we have to do is sit back and relax while the work gets done.

There you go! It’s as simple as that.

Through CNC machining, even the most complex designs can be easily achieved.

How a CNC machine works

 

A single trained programmer is enough to manage a CNC system. Once the system is activated, he programs the sequence of actions into the software. Once this is done, the software commands the tools and machinery to carry out the specified tasks.

The computer can remember any program that has been entered into its system. Hence, it can carry out the tasks without any confusion in between. All you have to do is run the correct program; the machine will do the rest.

This way, one single programmer can achieve the function of a thousand manual workers.

The Stages of the CNC Machining process

Every process has steps or stages, and CNC machining is no exception. The first step is to design the Computer-Aided Design or CAD model. Once the design is complete, export it to a CNC-compatible file format. In the next step, convert the CAD file to a CNC program.

The CAD file then runs through a program, which is loaded into the machine once it is generated.

Then, set up the machine and attach all its tools and components. Lastly, run the program, grab a cup of coffee and lie down as the machines do all the heavy lifting.

What are CNC machines used for?

Aerospace, Defence, Healthcare and Oil & Gas are some major industries that use CNC machines. The process is used to mass-produce key components related to these industries.

With speed, efficiency and compatibility as its major advantages, the demand for CNC machines is snowballing.