CNC Machining—shorthand for Computer Numerical Control Machining—refers to subtractive manufacturing processes that rely on computerized controls to automate part production operations. These processes are used to create a wide range of parts and products from materials including metals, plastics, composites, glass, wood, and foam, for industrial and commercial applications. While the equipment used for CNC machining operations are called CNC machines, the term “CNC machine” can also be applied to any manufacturing machine that relies on computerized controls to guide their movement. This is regardless of whether they perform machining operations.
CNC milling machines utilize rotating cutting tools to remove precise sections of material from the workpiece to form the desired component. They can process workpieces in three to six axes, depending on their configuration, making them suitable for producing a variety of parts and products. Face milling operations are used to produce flat and shallow design elements, while peripheral milling operations are used to create deeper design elements.
CNC lathe machines employ stationary cutting tools to remove precise sections of material from a rotating workpiece. They are used to produce symmetrical parts with conical, spherical, cylindrical, or otherwise contoured shapes. Examples of typical design features on CNC-turned components include internal or external grooves, tapers, and threads.
CNC punching machines offer greater precision, accuracy, and speed than conventional punch presses. They allow industry professionals to create simple to complex punched designs and patterns on sheet metal.
CNC Forming Machines manipulate metal through brakes, rolls, tubes, turrets, or other machine presses. The computerized controls enable industry professionals to maintain better control over the shaping process, resulting in more precise and accurate shapes and less material waste.
During CNC machining operations, Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) are employed to measure the geometric characteristics of a solid part. This information is used to determine or verify whether the part conforms to the pre-established specifications. CMMs can also create a digital model of a prototype or sample part, which can then be used to generate the foundational code needed to program the production equipment.
Over the years, new manufacturing technology has been developed and adopted to accommodate increasingly demanding customer specifications. Some of the most recent CNC manufacturing technologies include:
CNC Electrical Discharge Machines: CNC Electrical Discharge Machines (EDMs) utilize high-frequency electrical sparks to gradually wear away material from the workpiece. EDM processes can be used to machine a variety of conductive materials, such as aluminum to carbide.
CNC Laser Cutting Machines: CNC laser cutting machines rely on high-powered laser beams to generate the necessary cuts on the workpiece. They are used to cut out complex and intricate components from larger pieces of material. Compared to conventional cutting technologies, CNC Laser cutting machines enable industry professionals to achieve better cutting precision and accuracy.
CNC Plasma Cutting Machines: CNC plasma cutting machines utilize superheated, ionized gas (i.e., plasma) to cut into electrically conductive material. Compared to standard cutting technologies, they offer faster cutting speeds and a lower risk of mechanical warping.
CNC Waterjet Cutting Machines: Waterjet cutting machines employ high-pressure waterjets to cut through materials. Water-only jets are used for soft materials (e.g., rubber), while water mixed with abrasives are used for harder materials (e.g., metal).
CNC MACHINING SERVICES AT PRO-TYPE INDUSTRIES
In the manufacturing sector, CNC machines are used to produce a variety of components made from a broad selection of materials and for a wide range of industries. Compared to conventional manufacturing technologies, they offer many advantages, such as better precision and accuracy, faster processing speed, and lower risk of error.
Pro-Type Industries uses state-of-the-art CNC machines to produce high-quality metal components, whether for a single prototype or full-production quantities.
For additional information about our CNC machining capabilities, check out our service page. To discuss your project requirements with one of our experts, request a quote today.