Views: 7 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2023-02-16 Origin: Site
It may seem an ordinary aspect for every created part to meet an intended specification. However, a substantial operation is done to ensure that these parts take up the exact shape with the correct specifications.
Just casting or molding might not accurately produce parts, especially heavy ones. This is why manufacturers turn to CNC precision machining to solve these needs.
With precision machining, many of the heavy and tiny/tricky parts are produced precisely as intended.
This article has covered how CNC precision machining does this, the advantages of turning to this manufacturing process, how you can get the best out of it, the applications, and all you need to know.
Let’s get started:
Computer programs back the process of CNC precision machining. These programs control specific tools which accurately shape, cut off, or melt parts of the material to produce parts based on blueprints created.
The programs used are CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing). The two software programs work hand in hand. CAD produces 3D designs of the products, while CAM translates them as executable manufacturing instructions for the tools.
CNC equipment processes and works according to these instructions to create a replica of the 3D blueprint.
Virtually any product or part can make use of precision CNC machining.
The rate at which the dimension of a part is deviated according to conventional standards is referred to as tolerance.
The issue of tolerance comes into play in this technique as CNC precision machining can not accurately bring to life the exact dimensions of the 3D models in the CAD blueprint, and tolerance is employed to bridge this gap.
The measurement systems for tolerances in precision CNC are:
● Limit tolerance: The tolerance value in this system is in a range.
● Bilateral tolerance: For this system, the nominal value can deviate on both sides. E.g., a measurement of 30mm with a tolerance of +/- 0.05 can be 30.5 mm or 29. 95 mm.
● Unilateral tolerance. In this system, the nominal value can deviate on one side.
Computer software creates the designs and codes for instructions. At the same time, different tools carry out the physical operation of the materials.
The range of tools is vast due to the various operations that can be done on the materials when manufacturing, like bending, cutting, electrical discharge, etc.
The equipment used are:
The manufacturing process where a rotary cutter tool is used to cut off parts of a material is referred to as CNC milling. Computer Numerical Control (CNC) regulates the procedure.
The types are universal mills, chamfer mills, spiral mills, plain milling machines, etc.
The workpiece is rotated next to a single-point cutting tool for this process.
The CNC turning equipment used involves taper turning, threads, straight turning, and grooves. Lathes are also used.
The drilling equipment used for precision CNC machining is peck drills, screw machine drills, spotting drills, and chuckers.
All these tools handle specific operations for drilling holes on workpieces, such as creating holes, enlarging holes, removing chips from the material, etc.
This involves using sparks to produce a shape by melting off parts of the materials.
The requirements are an electrode and a workpiece conducted to an electric current. A dielectric fluid is essential to produce sparks and then melt the material.
The popularity and consistent use of CNC precision machining are proliferating. This is because it fits the creation of any product.
The primary industries where it is applied are stated below:
The automotive industry is a demanding organization. Every automobile product must meet specific needs or demands to succeed.
Manufacturers use precision machining to increase the accuracy of their prototype and final products and speed up the operations of their assembly line for faster output.
If any industry needs to effectively cut off the margin of error, it is the aerospace industry. Little mistakes can make an aircraft malfunction.
Precision machining helps make parts like bushings, airfoils, landing gear parts, manifolds, etc.
The medical industry is also delicate. Fragile and complex parts are produced constantly. They are also needed in large quantities with a fast turnaround time. CNC precision helps make equipment, such as MRI machines, implants, etc., for medical industries.
CNC precision machining produces equipment for military operations, such as engine mount fasteners, ammunition, door components, and more.
You may have already figured out many advantages of precision CNC machining.
Affirmatively, they are scattered around this article. But let's give a detailed breakdown of the most important ones below:
Compared to conventional manufacturing methods like injection molding, creating a part using precision machining is less time-consuming.
Making some molds can take several weeks, and the solidifying time and effort to ensure tight tolerance are missing in precision machining. Hence the increase in the speed of the process.
This is the go-to method when looking for a cost-effective process, regardless of the use of automation. Several parts can be made with minimal upfront capital.
Coupled with CNC precision machining being a fast method, it can also accommodate a wide range of materials, mainly those used for making prototypes.
When you do not get to spend significant cash on prototyping material, that is a big plus. And when the prototypes are produced quickly, the whole production is facilitated, which is what every prototype manufacturer wants.
CNC machining can work on varieties of materials. Ranging from metals ( steel, copper, aluminum, bronze, titanium, stainless steel) and plastics ( PMMA, POM, PC, ABS, PA).
As mentioned earlier, the programming of the software is the working principle of this process.
The program coding is done with G-code and M-code. G-code serves as the instructor, telling machines where to go, how to move, etc., while M-code is focused on auxiliary operations.
Firstly the CAD performs the 2D or 3D designs and turns them into CNC-compatible files. The CAM then generates the code for the tools to follow.
When the codes and instructions are ready, the tools listed earlier carry out their distinctive operations on the raw materials to create the shape intended for the finished products.
The finished product might require some treatment to make it smooth, colorful, glossy, or refined for aesthetic purposes. Surface finishes are then carried out for these improvements.
Whether your industry is focused on creating heavy materials, or complex and tiny ones, CNC precision machining suits it. It will facilitate your production cycle by miles compared to when it is not applied. Opting for it now is virtually the best decision to make.
Bring in your CAD models or customs requirements to Kaiao.
We will bring your designs to life in the most satisfactory way through our high-quality machines and experienced staff.
Contact us now for custom or standard requirements that will be delivered to you in the fastest time possible!
