9 Advantages of CNC Machining

With the development of computers, digital systems have penetrated every industry. The same can be said for manufacturing. Today, the benefits of CNC machining are embraced by many industries in their manufacturing and fabrication applications. CNC system has become an integral part of modern processing technology. 'CNC' stands for Computer Numerical Control, which works on the principle that a machine tool mechanism is connected to and dedicated to a dedicated numerical control system. A machine operation can definitely replace manual operation. Thanks to the revolutionary innovation of CNC machines, CNC prototyping technology has been greatly improved. Regarding traditional and CNC machining, we have some understandings as follows: Principles of traditional machining and CNC machining The system consists of a hardware part and a software part for computing purposes. Operators interact with the software to monitor machine parameters and create NC programs. An NC program is basically a list of instructions on how a machine tool should handle a particular part. The NC hardware reads the ancient program line by line and tells the machine tool to act accordingly. Today, traditional machining means that all movements of the machine tool are under the direct control of the operator. He chooses when to move the tool, at which feed, when to stop and where. Operators typically use gauges and specialized scales embedded in the control rods for greater precision. Advantages of CNC machining 1. Safety The operator of the CNC machine is safely separated from all sharp parts by a special protective structure. He can still see through the glass what's happening on the machine tool, but he doesn't have to go anywhere near the mill or the spindle. The operator also does not have to touch the coolant. Depending on the material, some liquids may be harmful to human skin. 2. Saving labor costs Nowadays, conventional machine tools require constant attention. This means that each worker can only work on one machine tool. When the CNC era came, the situation changed dramatically. Most parts take at least half an hour to process per install. But CNC machines are done by cutting the parts themselves. No need to touch anything. The tool moves automatically and the operator only needs to check for errors in the program or setup. Having said that, CNC operators find that they have a lot of free time. This time can be used for other machines. Thus, one operator, many machine tools. This means you save manpower. 3. Minimal setup error Traditional machine tools rely on the operator's proficiency in measuring tools, and excellent workers can ensure high-precision assembly of parts. Many CNC systems use specialized coordinate measuring probes. It is usually mounted on the spindle as a tool, and a probe is used to touch the fixed part to determine its position. Then, determine the zero point of the coordinate system so that the setup error is minimized. 4. A good machine tool condition monitoring operator has to identify machining faults and cutting tools, and his decisions may not be optimal. Modern CNC machining centers are packed with different sensors. You can monitor torque, temperature, tool life and other factors while machining a workpiece. Based on this information, you can refine the process in real time. For example, you see that the temperature is too high. Higher temperatures mean tool wear, poorer metal properties, etc. You can fix this by reducing the feed rate or increasing the coolant pressure. Despite what many say, machining is the most widespread method of manufacturing today. Every industry uses machining to some extent. 5. Stable accuracy What could be more stable than a proven computer program? The movement of the instrument is always the same, since its accuracy depends only on the accuracy of the stepper motors. 6. Fewer test runs Traditional machining inevitably has some test parts. The worker has to get used to the technology, he will definitely miss something while doing the first part and testing the new technology. CNC systems have a way of avoiding test runs. They employ a visualization system that allows the operator to physically see the inventory status after all the tool passes have been completed. 7. Complex surface processing is easier For traditional processing, it is almost impossible to manufacture complex surfaces with high precision. It requires a lot of physical labor. The CAM system can automatically form the tool path of any surface. You don't have to make any effort at all. This is one of the biggest advantages of modern CNC machining technology. 8. Higher cutting parameters Only due to the closed cutting area, high speed machining is possible. At this speed, the chip is flying all over the place at high speed. There is a spray of coolant after the chips because when it comes to high-speed machining, coolant is applied under high pressure. At 10000 rpm or more, manual operation is simply not possible. Cutting speeds are high, and it is important to keep the feed rate and chip width constant to prevent vibration. It can't be that hard to implement manually. 9. Higher processing flexibility The traditional method is to process grooves or planes with milling machines, cylinders and tapers with lathes, and holes with drilling machines. CNC machining can combine all of the above into one machine tool. Since the trajectory of the tool can be programmed, you can replicate any motion on any machine tool. So we have milling centers that can make cylindrical parts and lathes that can mill grooves. All of these allow for a reduced set of parts. Learn more about CNC machining services