As a CNC machine operator, you surely realize the importance of precision, speed, and accuracy in milling. If you want to produce the highest quality parts and products, all aspects of the machining process must be done with high precision. This is a multi-step activity. It starts with the programming of the machines to the actual machining of the parts, and each step must be done professionally to achieve the desired results. Any inaccuracy can result in a defective product, which affects the manufacturer’s reputation and also jeopardizes consumer safety. How to ensure accuracy and precision in cnc milling? This article discusses the importance of precision and accuracy when machining with CNC. Check out the factors to improve to enhance your products and milling!
How to improve accuracy during CNC milling?
Like other CNC machining processes, CNC milling itself relies on a computer to control tool movement. The level of precision and accuracy of CNC machining is controlled by the settings of the computer program that directs the movement of the tool.
Several factors can affect the accuracy and precision of CNC milling. For example, it can be the type of material being cut, the condition of the blades, and the accuracy of the machine tool. To get the best results, you need to understand these factors and take steps to minimize their negative impact or improve quality. Pay attention to the following points to improve the accuracy and precision of CNC milling:
- Use high-quality tools – While tool movement during CNC milling is automated, high-quality machine tool also add value during machining. Make sure you use a tool designed for a specific type of cutting. You should also calibrate your machine tools regularly to ensure the highest precision.
- Learn about material properties – When machining, consider material properties such as tensile strength, yield strength, and thermal expansion of the workpiece. Remember that a material with low yield strength deforms more than a material with high yield strength when subjected to the same shear force.
- Update software and machine build – Today, CNC machine manufacturers are adding new features and regularly updating software to increase productivity. Users can upgrade them quickly to optimize the value of their investment. In addition, at the moment, one of the fastest ways to increase the speed and accuracy of CNC machining is to upgrade to a five-axis machine. If you have a three-axis machine, you may waste time making additional adjustments during production. On the other hand, when your machine runs on multiple axes, you save time for faster part picking. You also don’t have to worry about mistakes made during multiple setups.
- Take care of cutting tool – Improving cutting tools means using tools specifically designed for the type of material being machined. There are different types of cutting tools to choose from, so select the one that best suits your product.
- Watch tool wear – Tool wear is caused by contact between the tool and the workpiece. During operation, the size of the tip decreases, and the shape of the tool’s cutting edge changes. This can result in inaccurate cuts and the production of low-quality parts. Remember, if your tools are in excellent condition, they will last longer and perform better. Dull, worn tools require frequent replacement, which can take some time. There are several ways to reduce CNC machining tool wear and avoid unexpected failures. When it comes to unplanned downtime, equipment failure accounts for about 40 percent of problems. Moreover, such failure statistically costs 10 times more than planned maintenance. It is worth using predictive maintenance in such cases. Unlike regular maintenance (also known as preventive maintenance), predictive maintenance uses data to determine when is the best time to perform maintenance tasks, regardless of the state of the equipment. Predicting when maintenance tasks will be performed on CNC machining equipment reduces unnecessary maintenance and prevents unplanned downtime due to machine failure.
- Analyze the material – The material being machined has a major impact on the precision and accuracy of the finished product. Hard materials such as steel can be machined with greater precision and accuracy as opposed to softer materials such as aluminum.
- Analyze the material – The material being machined has a big impact on the precision and accuracy of the finished product. Hard materials such as steel can be machined with greater precision and accuracy as opposed to softer materials such as aluminum.
- Take care of the CNC machine – The condition of the CNC machine also affects the precision and accuracy of the finished product. If the machine is not properly calibrated or worn, the finished product will be made in a defective and low-precision manner.
- Use presenters- When preparing your machine for use, use tool presets to make your work more precise. These new additions measure tool placement accuracy in a minute. By comparison, it takes an operator more than an hour to use a probe to set 15 tools for a project. Using setters also increases accuracy because the system can determine the exact position of the cutter, allowing for more precise cutting. With more accurate tool positioning, your work is not burdened by errors that occur when setting up equipment manually.
- Personnel and CAM – Machining can be improved in many ways. First, analyze the work of your employees. If your employees lack organization in machine operation, they may waste time or make mistakes. If you upgrade CAM software, make sure that all employees are fully trained in its use. Another way to upgrade equipment for greater precision is to change the guidance system. The accuracy of a guidance system depends on how much it smooths out tilt, pitch, and yaw – movements around the X, Y, and Z axes.
Why are accuracy and precision important in CNC machining?
Precision CNC machining and CNC machining accuracy is extremely important in many sectors. These include:
- Medical sector – Devices used in medical procedures, such as robotic arms for laser surgery, rely on precisely machined micro and macro parts.
- Aerospace – Aerospace components must meet the tightest tolerances to ensure the safe operation of aircraft in any environment.
- Transportation – Buses, trucks, trains, and other vehicles require various shafts, couplings, pistons, and other parts to work together seamlessly.
- Energy industry – Whether it’s natural gas and oil, wind power, or other sources, industrial equipment used to generate and manage energy requires precision-machined parts that can withstand tremendous pressure.
These are just a few examples of industries that require extreme precision in the production of machined parts. Repeatability of precision parts is critical for everything from consumer products to replacement parts. Let’s also remember that CNC machines accuracy is also very important for the machine shop itself. Maintaining accuracy reduces production time and costs, and eliminates the need to redo erroneous production designs. Manufacturing process should be characterized by cnc milling accuracy. The machine tool promptly and accurately can work when various criteria are met. We hope that after reading this article your knowledge of them has been completed.