CNC machining technology allows programmers to create products with a high degree of accuracy and detail. By jointly using CNC software and cutting tools, programmers can reduce the risk of human errors in design and create a highly advanced process that delivers the best possible results. However, this is not just a method. It's a collective concept that refers to many other technologies. Choosing the right option is a matter of understanding the risks, benefits, and details of various options. Some are best for more advanced projects, while others are great for adding finishing touches. By reviewing all the available features on a CNC machine, programmers will be able to better take control of the product development process. What is hole grinding or surface grinding? What characterizes the grinding process? How to use CNC machines and what solutions do they provide? We write about this below!
What are CNC machining techniques and their advantages and disadvantages
Although CNC machining generally refers to the overall use of computer numerical code to control tools, its application varies depending on the type. Below are the five most popular CNC machining techniques currently in use.
CNC Milling
This process utilizes a multipoint rotary tool for cutting and shaping material. The rotational speed can reach thousands of revolutions per minute. In this case, the workpiece is fed to the mill, rather than the tool to the workpiece.
Advantages: milling provides excellent control over material cutting and allows for the simultaneous removal of a large or small amount of material.
Disadvantage: CNC programming in a milling machine is very complex and can usually only be performed by the most highly qualified operators.
Turning in CNC
Stationary tools remove excess material from rotating components. The part that holds the workpiece and causes it to rotate is called a lathe.
Advantages: Turning is ideal in situations where a large number of parts or assemblies are required.
Flaw: shapes are usually limited to cylindrical types, such as spheres and cones.
EDM
Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) uses an electrical spark to melt and shape metal without cutting it. There are two main types of EDM: wire electrical discharge machining and die-sinking EDM.
Advantages: ideal when the material is delicate and cannot withstand heavy cuts.
Disadvantage: it is a long-lasting process, mainly for completion, not a complete project.
Grinding
The rotary grinding wheel moves across the surface of the workpiece to shape it. The function is somewhat similar to milling, but cross grinding does not require the use of a tool.
Advantages: With the use of abrasive tools, we obtain a high-quality surface, making it ideal for finishing tools. Grinding is applied to the workpiece.
Disadvantage: it is a slow process, as there is no tool, and the material is removed by wear.
Drilling
The drilling process in CNC machining is very straightforward. It uses a drill to make precise holes and remove excess material.
Advantages: drilling is an economical process and somewhat easier compared to other CNC machining techniques.
Disadvantage: its use is limited due to the lack of a tool turret for changing bits as needed.
In addition to the five CNC machining categories mentioned above, each category may have its own subcategory of tools that can be used in various parts of the development of a new product. Therefore, programmers need to cooperate with partners who have experience in all different CNC machining applications.
Choosing the right CNC machining process
Often, it's not about choosing a CNC machining technique to manufacture a product, but rather about developing a process that utilizes multiple methods in the right order. Purchasing options vary depending on the industry. It is best to choose a business partner who can use multiple tools. In addition to technology, it is important to look at the software that controls these machines, as it is the driving force behind product design. There are many different computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD and CAM) programs available on the market, so some programs are more efficient than others. Some of them are aimed at beginners, which makes them unsuitable for serious commercial applications that most programmers need in their products. Thanks to the programs, subsequent finishing passes are performed in a precise and accurate manner. Ideally, programmers could visit the store of their preferred company and even see some of the CNC machining technologies used. This careful observation will help them determine which business partners are right for them, and they will also gain greater confidence in the process. The right person will provide the best and most accurate project and production schedule.
What is machining?
Machining is the production of a material of the desired shape and size. Machining typically refers to the processing of metals, but it can also be applied to the production of wood, plastics, ceramics, stone, and other materials. If you have a raw material that you want to shape into a specific shape and for a specific purpose, the machining process will help you transform that raw material into a finished product. Examples of machined products include nuts and bolts, car parts, flanges, drills, plates, and many other tools and items related to various industries. The rotary motion of the spindle moves the material, and additionally, the machined detail moves the chips.
Mechanical Processing Tools
There are many processing tools available that can perform various processing tasks. The main categories of processing tools are: lathe tools, milling, sharpening, cutting, drilling, and boring tools. Although there are significantly more processing tools, these are the most popular classic processing tools.
Lathe Tools
All turning knives work towards the lathe, rotating the semi-finished product relative to the stationary plate or other cutting tool. They guarantee high dimensional accuracy.
Milling tool
Milling tools are used to cut unique shapes and patterns from raw materials by rotating the spindle, and chips are removed through the cutter.
Abrasive materials
Grinding is a type of machining that involves turning, but rather cleaning than shaping - grinding is required for deburring and finishing materials.
Cutting Tools
Cutting tools, such as scissors and saws (manual or electric), can draw straight lines on hard materials when precise cuts are required.
Drilling Tool
Drilling tools complement all drilling processes, and drills and many others allow drilling holes in any material. Drilling is a method of enlarging a previously drilled hole to the appropriate size. However, a new advancement in machining practice was the introduction of CNC machining. Computer Numerical Control (CNC) adds computers to the machining practice, so CNC machining is no longer based on human abilities, but instead allows control of various cutting, grinding, drilling, etc. tools by a computer, which ensures precise design.
Applications of Mechanical Processing
Machining has many applications. Machined products are used in many industries, including construction, engineering, and manufacturing, and car manufacturers require precise machining of each part to function properly. In the oil industry, engineers provide very detailed design and machining instructions for parts of pumps, pipelines, and construction aids. In the construction industry, cutting machining is used to produce drills, hammers, other tool elements, and larger elements such as steel construction beams and pile reinforcement. Machining is versatile and precise, allowing companies and industries to design products and tools that exactly meet their needs.
CNC Roller Grinder
A shaft grinder is a grinding tool or machine used in the grinding process. Grinding is a commonly used machining method using a grinding wheel or abrasive as a tool. The main feature is shaft grinding. Some roller grinders can perform multiple grinding tasks, including several simple milling tasks.
CNC controlled grinding ensures precision
The CNC machine's operating system is equipped with a humanized operating panel, which can provide accurate ground motion display. The user-friendly human-machine interface not only ensures the accuracy of work but also provides great convenience for many users in various conditions. Thanks to modern programming techniques, today's grinding machine operators simply call up the appropriate cutting program from the machine's memory, and the machine processes it in the appropriate way.