CNC machining is a very convenient and effective manufacturing technology. It uses computer numerical control (CNC) technology to control machines and tools that process various materials and objects.
Almost all processing materials can be used on CNC machine tools. It really depends on the application. Common materials include metals such as aluminum, brass, copper, steel and titanium, as well as wood, foam, fiberglass and plastics such as polypropylene, ABS, POM, PC, nylon, etc. However, some materials are too soft or too rigid to be processed on CNC machine tools. For example, materials such as rubber or silicone are too soft for CNC processing, and ceramics are too hard for precision processing.
The products that can be produced on CNC machine tools depend on the type of machine used. Each type of CNC machine tool has its own processing capabilities for manufacturing unique component properties. For example, round or spherical parts produced in CNC turning centers cannot be produced in CNC milling machines. Parts produced from milling machines cannot be produced with CNC lathes, etc.
CNC precision parts can be processed by turning
In the CNC machining industry, CNC lathes are used to process linear cylinders, oblique cylinders, arcs, and various threads, grooves, worms, and can also process some complex rotating surfaces, such as hyperboloids. Typical CNC turning parts include shift knobs, knobs, pulleys, shafts, hubs, bushings, flywheels, etc.
CNC precision parts processed by milling
The CNC milling machine is mainly used for processing various complex planes, curved surfaces and shell parts, for example, various cams, molds, connecting rods, blades, propellers, boxes, shell shape parts are all processed by CNC milling. In short, typical CNC milled parts can be divided into three categories: flat parts, surface parts and angle steel parts.
Each machine has its own accuracy level and processing sequence. Sometimes, some processing equipment will be used to manufacture certain parts.
So what couldn’t CNC machining do?
Almost all parts can be manufactured on CNC machine tools, but there are some limitations. Parts with certain functions are not suitable for CNC machining. These functions include:
1. Inner vertical angle
Because the CNC milling tool has a cylindrical shape, it will leave a radius at the vertical angle when cutting the inner wall. Although using a tool with a smaller diameter can reduce the tool nose radius, no matter how small the tool diameter is, the internal vertical angle cannot be made.
2. Precision parts with deep cavity
Due to the limited cutting length, when the cutting depth reaches the cavity of 2-3 times its diameter, the tool can usually play the best effect. Milling pockets with a depth of more than 4 times the tool diameter will greatly increase the machining difficulty and tool breakage,
3. Thin-wall precision parts
Thin walls are difficult to process, and are easily deformed or broken during CNC processing. Thin-wall machining requires multiple passes at low cutting depths, and thin features are also prone to vibration, so precise machining of them is challenging and increases machining time.
4. Precision parts with cutouts
Since the cutting tool cannot get there for any machining, some cuts on the inner wall of the part are difficult to machine with CNC.
Therefore, before designing CNC precision parts machining, it is recommended to avoid using these functions.
CNC machining provides precise cutting and operation functions. It is easy to say that almost all products made of wood, metal, aluminum, alloys and various other materials can be completely constructed or improved by using CNC machine tools. CNC has its limitations, so before designing CNC machining precision parts, it is recommended to avoid shortcuts.
Post time: Mar-11-2021
