CNC Machining
What is CNC Machining?
CNC stands for: “Computer Numerical Control.” It is the process within the manufacturing industry where an advanced computer is programmed using sophisticated software and G-CODES to dictate the actions of certain machinery. It has been established as the preferred manufacturing process for industries such as medical equipment, aerospace, oil and gas and R&D. This manufacturing process can deliver custom high precision components with a short lead time.
Applications of CNC Machining
The modern-day use of CNC machines has dramatically improved the quality of manufacturing to the highest degree. Many global industries have benefited from the speed and quality of CNC machines. For instance, In the automotive industry, CNC machines have been able to make custom car parts at a faster rate and with a range of different tools, car manufacturers can benefit from the versatility of these amazing machines. Within the Medical space, CNC machines have proven to be extremely helpful due to their accuracy and precision in making life-saving medical devices at an impressive speed. Given the production benefits and extensive range of materials and finishes offered by CNC machining, the technology has been recognized as imperative in a variety of fields.
What is CNC Turning?
CNC Turning consists of a special tools and machinery that perform a turning type of operation, hence the name. A turning center uses a rotation force and a stationary cutting tool to remove material from a work piece. Depending on the material that is being cut there are numerous types of RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) and different styles of cutting tools that can be used to maximize the material removal rate. CNC Turning process includes various tools that execute precise rotations to create different geometry effectively and accurately. Some of the machining processes that a turning center can accomplish include drilling, reaming, boaring, thread cutting and knurling. This increases production speed, accuracy and efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and safer operations. Some of the most common materials a Turning center can machine include:
- Aluminum
- Iron
- Steel
- Bronze
- Plastics
What is CNC Milling?
CNC Milling is a manufacturing process that utilizes a rotating cutting tool to remove material from a stationary piece. with a properly secured work piece generally clamped down by a vice or a custom fixture, the rotating cutting tool applies controlled pressure to the work piece resulting in what is known as a milling cut. During this operation, the cutting tool follows a toolpath to progressively remove material from a workpiece and allowing to produce a custom design part. The movement of this tool and machine bed depends on the number of axes of movement your machine has. In today’s manufacturing almost every shop has access to multiple axis milling centers ranging from 3 axis to 5 axis. For a common 3-axis machine, the bed moves back and forth and left to right. Having a 4th or even a 5th axis allows the machine to access the work piece from different angles. Having the advantage to do such operation will increase the accuracy of the part as well as reduce the amount of set up hours. While some of the most common cutting tools used on a CNC milling include drill, ream, face mills, square endmills, ball endmill and cutting taps. CNC milling is a highly versatile manufacturing process that can allow you to create the most complex geometry while holding tolerances as tight as .0005”.
Consider EGM Manufacturing for your next CNC machining project. We are committed to providing exceptional service for all your machining needs.
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