What are CNC Machining/ Precision Engineering?
The manufacturing industry needs safe ways to produce and process products, and CNC machining/precision engineering can perfectly achieve that. So, what is CNC machining/precision engineering? In a nutshell, it’s a process of using automated pre-programmed commands to machines to carry out productions. CNC stands for computerized numerical control, which means machines are controlled to provide consistent accuracy and efficiency in productivity.
This complex process is used in a wide range of machines. It ensures three-dimensional cutting to takes place by following a set of prompts commands. Here is a list of machines that use CNC.
CNC Milling Machines
It’s a common type of CNC machining. The CNC mill uses computer controls to cut materials. It has a specific program that translates numbers and letters to move the spindle in various ways.
Most CNC machines use G-codes as a standardized programming language, and mills are no different. Mills have a range of uses from face milling, tapping drilling shoulder milling, among other uses. They exist in three to six-axis configurations. They are quite large compared to their counterparts, and you have to part away with big bucks if you wish to acquire them.
CNC Lathe
It’s a type of CNC machining that cuts products while on a rotating motion. It uses precision engineering to cut exact pieces using a wide variety of tools. They are effective when it comes to precision compared to their manual counterparts. They have small axes meaning better cuts compared to CNC mills. Like mills, CNC lathe can read the standardized G-code programming language. Its framework is the same as manually operated lathes.
CNC Router
It usually mirrors that handheld router that normally cuts into various materials. They help in cutting wood, steel, plastic, aluminum, and form. They operate the same way CNC mills. It is programmed to route paths that make way for a machine to function.
This type of CNC machining incorporates precision engineering to reduce waste and increase productivity. How so? It will produce many items in a short time span. It operates in a three-dimension which is suitable for smaller projects, creating prototypes and complicated designs. But they are not limited to just three-axis configuration. You can find four, five, and six-axis dimensions on the market.
CNC Plasma Cutter
This type of CNC machining incorporates cutting materials using plasma torches. The process is used to cut hard materials like steel and other types of metals.
First, a gas will be blown through the plasma cutter at high speed from the nozzle, and an arc will form through the gas that is coming out of the nozzle to cut the surface.
It will convert the gas into plasma. Its temperature ranges from 10,000 to 50000 degrees. This plasma is hot to cut any surface, plus blows any molten area around the cut surface. Its shape and size is pretty similar to a CNC router. It has a two-dimensional axis.
Conclusion
These types of CNC machining incorporate standardized programming languages to cut various materials. They make work easier and improve productivity. Therefore, precision engineering has helped the manufacturing industry maximize its output while minimizing costs.
