All about CNC machines
history:
CNC machine tools are electromechanical devices that can be manipulated using computer programming inputs. do you know? The name "CNC" actually stands for "Computer Numerical Control" and it represents one of two common methods (from 3D printing technology to SLA, SLS / SLM, and FDM, etc.) to generate prototypes from digital software files. The first "CAD technology" for CNC machines: "Punched Belt" The first CNC machine was developed in the 1940s and 1950s, and relied on a universal telecommunications data storage technology called "punched tape" or "perforated paper tape". Due to the rapid transition of data media to analog and then digital, punched tape technology is long outdated. Computer processing in the 1950s and 1960s.
How it works:
In general, machining is a method of converting inventory materials (such as plastic blocks) and obtaining the final product (usually prototype parts) through a controlled material removal process. Similar to other prototype development technologies, FDM (3D printing), CNC relies on digital instructions from computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) or computer-aided design (CAD) files such as Solidworks 3D. The CNC machine interprets the design as instructions for cutting prototype parts. By automating highly technical and labor-intensive processes, the ability to program computer equipment to control machine tools can quickly increase plant productivity. Automatic cutting increases the speed and accuracy of prototyping parts. Generally, the machining process requires multiple tools to make the required cuts (for example, drill bits of different sizes). CNC machine tools usually combine tools into a common unit or unit from which machine tools can be extracted. Basic machines move on one or two axes, while advanced machines move laterally on the x, y axis, longitudinally on the z axis, and usually rotate around one or more axes. Multi-axis machines can automatically flip parts, allowing you to remove material that was previously “under”. This eliminates the need for workers to flip prototype inventory materials and cut all sides without manual intervention. Fully automatic cutting is usually more accurate than manual entry.
Types of CNC machine tools:
CNC machine tools are generally divided into two categories: conventional machining technology and novel machining technology
Conventional technology:
Bit: The bit works by rotating the bit and moving the bit in contact with a stationary block of material.
Lathe: A lathe (as opposed to a drill) rotates a block of material relative to the drill (instead of rotating the drill and bringing it into contact with the material). Lathes usually come into contact with the material by moving the cutting tool laterally until it gradually contacts the rotating material.
Milling machines: Milling machines are probably the most common CNC machine tools used today. They involve removing material from the inventory unit using a rotary cutting tool.
Novel technology:
Electrical and / or chemical processing: There are many novel techniques for cutting materials using specialized techniques. Examples include electron beam machining, electrochemical machining, electrical discharge machining (EDM), photochemical machining, and ultrasonic machining. Most of these technologies are highly specialized and are used in special cases for large-scale production involving specific types of materials.
Other cutting media: There are many other novel technologies that use different media to cut materials. Examples include laser cutters, oxyfuel cutters, plasma cutters, and waterjet cutting techniques.
Materials used: Almost all materials can be used in CNC machines. It really depends on the application. Common materials include metals such as aluminum, brass, copper, steel, and titanium, as well as plastics such as wood, foam, fiberglass, and polypropylene.
Application of rapid prototyping: CNC machines are the first major breakthrough in the field of rapid prototyping. Before digital control (using perforated tape technology) and computer digital control (using analog and digital calculations), parts must be machined manually. This always results in a larger margin of error in the final prototype, and even larger if / when the machine is manually used for mass production.