CNC MACHINING 


CNC 101: The term CNC stands for 'computer numerical control', and the CNC machining definition is that it is a subtractive manufacturing process that typically employs computerized controls and machine tools to remove layers of material from a stock piece—known as the blank or workpiece—and produces a custom-designed part. This process is suitable for a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, wood, glass, foam, and composites, and finds application in a variety of industries, such as large CNC machining, machining of parts and prototypes for telecommunications, and CNC machining aerospace parts, which require tighter tolerances than other industries. Note there is a difference between the CNC machining definition and the CNC machine definition—one is a process and the other is a machine. A CNC machine (sometimes incorrectly referred to as a C and C machine) is a programmable machine that is capable of autonomously performing the operations of CNC machining.

-->Interested in CNC Machining Services? Try out Xometry's Instant Quoting Engine℠ to make your project come to life. Free shipping in the USA.

CNC machining as a manufacturing process and service is available worldwide. You can readily find CNC machining services in Europe, as well as in Asia, North America, and elsewhere around the globe.

Subtractive manufacturing processes, such as CNC machining, are often presented in contrast to additive manufacturing processes, such as 3D printing, or formative manufacturing processes, such as liquid injection molding. While subtractive processes remove layers of material from the workpiece to produce custom shapes and designs, additive processes assemble layers of material to produce the desired form and formative processes deform and displace stock material into the desired shape. The automated nature of CNC machining enables the production of high precision and high accuracy, simple parts and cost-effectiveness when fulfilling one-off and medium-volume production runs. However, while CNC machining demonstrates certain advantages over other manufacturing processes, the degree of complexity and intricacy attainable for part design and the cost-effectiveness of producing complex parts is limited.

While each type of manufacturing process has its advantages and disadvantages, this article focuses on the CNC machining process, outlining the basics of the process, and the various components and tooling of the CNC machine. Additionally, this article explores various mechanical CNC machining operations and presents alternatives to the CNC machining process.

At a glance, this guide will cover: 

Are you between jobs right now or an employer looking to hire? We've got you covered with our in-depth collections of resources for industrial job seekers and employers looking to fill roles. If you have an open position, you can also fill out our form for a chance to have it featured in the Thomas Monthly Update newsletter. 

Overview of CNC Machining Process

Evolving from the numerical control (NC) machining process which utilized punched tape cards, CNC machining is a manufacturing process which utilizes computerized controls to operate and manipulate machine and cutting tools to shape stock material—e.g., metal, plastic, wood, foam, composite, etc.—into custom parts and designs. While the CNC machining process offers various capabilities and operations, the fundamental principles of the process remain largely the same throughout all of them. The basic CNC machining process includes the following stages:

  • Designing the CAD model
  • Converting the CAD file to a CNC program
  • Preparing the CNC machine
  • Executing the machining operation

CAD Model Design

The CNC machining process begins with the creation of a 2D vector or 3D solid part CAD design either in-house or by a CAD/CAM design service company. Computer-aided design (CAD) software allows designers and manufacturers to produce a model or rendering of their parts and products along with the necessary technical specifications, such as dimensions and geometries, for producing the part or product.

Designs for CNC machined parts are restricted by the capabilities (or inabilities) of the CNC machine and tooling. For example, most CNC machine tooling is cylindrical therefore the part geometries possible via the CNC machining process are limited as the tooling creates curved corner sections. Additionally, the properties of the material being machined, tooling design, and workholding capabilities of the machine further restrict the design possibilities, such as the minimum part thicknesses, maximum part size, and inclusion and complexity of internal cavities and features.

Once the CAD design is completed, the designer exports it to a CNC-compatible file format, such as STEP or IGES.

CNC Machining Tolerances Tables

When specifying parts to a machine shop, it's important to include any necessary tolerances. Though CNC machines are very accurate, they still leave some slight variation between duplicates of the same part, generally around + or - .005 in (.127 mm), which is roughly twice the width of a human hair. To save on costs, buyers should only specify tolerances in areas of the part that will need to be especially accurate because they will come into contact with other parts. While there are standard tolerances for different levels of machining (as shown in the tables below), not all tolerances are equal. If, for example, a part absolutely cannot be larger than the measurement, it might have a specified tolerance of +0.0/-0.5 to show it can be slightly smaller, but no larger in that area. 

mechanicalengineering #innovation #automotive #engine #engineer #electronics #industry #machine #cnc #mechanic #automobile #manufacturing #civilengineering #metalwork #robotics #electrical #engineers #mechanical #mechanicalengineering #automation #autocad

visit; https://cad-conferences.sciencefather.com/

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Image
                 CFM International CFM56 hastags #news : CFM International CFM56 #visit : https://cad-conferences.sciencefather.com/ more informnation https://twitter.com/sophiai14453133 https://www.linkedin.com/in/mechanics-science-1b63b6260/ The CFM International CFM56 (U.S. military designation F108) series is a Franco-American family of high-bypass turbofan aircraft engines made by CFM International (CFMI), with a thrust range of 18,500 to 34,000 lbf (82 to 150 kN). CFMI is a 50–50 joint-owned company of Safran Aircraft Engines (formerly known as Snecma) of France, and GE Aviation (GE) of the United States. Both companies are responsible for producing components and each has its own final assembly line. GE produces the high-pressure compressor, combustor, and high-pressure turbine, Safran manufactures the fan, gearbox, exhaust and the low-pressure turbine, and some components are made by Avio of Italy and Honeywell from the US. The engines are assembled by GE in Evendale, Ohio, and
Read more
Image
CAD for rapid prototyping and 3D printing  #news : CAD for rapid prototyping and 3D printing #visit : https://cad-conferences.sciencefather.com/ more information: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGpONJQzsHCByPoa1ZeCPnA https://www.instagram.com/sophiaisabella270/ Computer-Aided Design (CAD) plays a crucial role in rapid prototyping and 3D printing processes. CAD software allows designers and engineers to create detailed virtual models of objects, which can then be transformed into physical prototypes using 3D printing technologies. Here's how CAD is used in the context of rapid prototyping and 3D printing: Design Creation: CAD software enables designers to create intricate 3D models of their ideas. They can use various tools to sketch, extrude, revolve, loft, and manipulate geometric shapes to form the desired object. Modern CAD tools offer parametric design capabilities, allowing users to easily modify and update designs by changing parameters. Accuracy and Precision:
Read more
Image
Parametric and feature-based modeling techniques in CAD   #news : Parametric and feature-based modeling techniques in CAD #visit : https://cad-conferences.sciencefather.com/ more information: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGpONJQzsHCByPoa1ZeCPnA https://www.instagram.com/sophiaisabella270/ Parametric and feature-based modeling are two fundamental techniques used in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to create and modify 3D models. These techniques offer significant advantages in terms of flexibility, efficiency, and ease of design iteration. Let's delve into each of these modeling techniques: Parametric Modeling: Parametric modeling involves defining the model's geometry based on parameters and constraints. The model's features are created by using mathematical equations and relationships, allowing changes to be made by modifying the underlying parameters rather than manually altering the geometry. Some key characteristics of parametric modeling include: P
Read more