CNC processing technology is like a brief history of industrial development. In the past, it could only rely on the workflow of manpower measurement, cutting, and engraving.
Now, with the use of CNC processing technology, automated production can be carried out in a more accurate and faster manner.
Technology not only replaces manpower, but can even perform more precise and accurate calculations, and both efficiency and quality have made great progress.
1. Digital manufacturing technology
CNC (Computer Numerical Control), the full name is Computer Numerical Control, is a computer-aided production method, through digital manufacturing, so that the production process can be more accurate and efficient, and it is difficult to improve the human production. Production quality plays an important role in the process of modern industrial manufacturing.
The design process of CNC machining and manufacturing is carried out by computer. Engineers will first build product models on computer-aided design software and produce CAD files. Then convert the CAD file into a G code for the machine to read. During this process, the engineer will set up all the processing steps in the manufacturing process, including which blades need to be used, and the order, speed, and timing of using these blades. , cutting angle, etc., after typing one by one, the machine will complete the production process step by step according to these commands, so this process is very important.
After all the pre-confirmation operations are completed, the manufacturing can begin. After the machine starts to operate, it will automatically produce according to the original setting, and the production process can be completed with almost no human monitoring intervention.
2. Multi-dimensional manufacturing process
The operation of the CNC engraving machine ranges from 2.5-dimensional, 3-dimensional to 5-dimensional according to the purpose of the machine. Taking 3D as an example, the operation of the machine mainly depends on the coordinate axes in the three directions of X-axis (from left to right), Y-axis (from front to back), and Z-axis (from top to bottom) to control various tools and control materials. Manufacturing from different angles. The 5-dimensional technology, on the basis of the 3-dimensional, adds an optional rotation axis to each of the two axes. The more dimensions, the wider the machine can operate in during manufacturing, and the more refined the finished product will be.
The production process of CNC machining can rarely be completed only by a single tool. Generally speaking, the machining process needs to rely on the interactive use of multiple tools to complete. The types of cutting tools are very diverse, and each cutting tool has its suitable angle and purpose. The use of different cutting tools creates more possibilities in the manufacturing process. Common knives include flat milling cutters, bullnose milling cutters, spherical milling cutters, drills, etc. Flat milling cutters are suitable for material hollowing and vertical wall processing, bullnose milling cutters are suitable for rapid material removal, spherical milling cutters are suitable for complex 3D graphic processing, and drills are suitable for vertical hole making of parts. Milling cutters with different characteristics can make different types of cutting or engraving. When using different milling cutters, it must be noted that different materials have different tolerances to milling cutters, so the type, speed and direction of the milling cutter will affect the processing results.
3. Reduce the error of manual measurement
When manpower is used for manufacturing, all measurements are made by artisans, so errors are inevitable during the manufacturing process. Because of the use of computer calculation and machine manufacturing, CNC machining can effectively avoid the error of manual measurement and make the finished product of measurement and cutting more accurate.
CNC machining can manufacture parts with very strict tolerances. The so-called tolerance refers to the error range of products allowed by relevant regulations. Under normal operation, the tolerance value of CNC machining is smaller than human hair (human hair is about 0.017mm). For example, the common tolerance of metal and plastic is about ±0.125mm, the precision manufacturing tolerance is about ±0.025mm, and the special treatment such as polishing has a tolerance of about ±0.0012mm, making CNC machining one of the most accurate technologies among all current manufacturing methods. .
4. Subtractive manufacturing method
CNC machining is a method of subtractive manufacturing. The so-called subtractive manufacturing, as the name implies, is to use the method of reducing raw materials to process raw materials into parts or products.
The production method opposite to subtractive manufacturing is called additive manufacturing, or 3D printing. Compared with subtractive manufacturing, additive manufacturing produces new objects through the injection and stacking of materials during the manufacturing process.
5. Almost all kinds of materials can be used
The types of raw materials applicable to CNC machining are quite extensive, and almost all hard raw materials can be used. Common materials include metal and metal and gold, such as aluminum alloys, steel alloys, brass, etc.; or plastics, resins such as ABS, Delrin, rayon nylon, foam plastics, and other composite materials, wood, leather, etc. Engineers will choose different tools, operating speeds, feeding speeds, and coolants according to different characteristics of materials to design the manufacturing process. Also because CNC processing is applicable to a variety of raw materials, CNC processing technology is widely used in industry. For example, the manufacture of products ranging from aerospace technology to sporting goods manufacturing can rely on CNC processing technology to complete the manufacturing.
6. Suitable for industrial manufacturing with medium output
CNC machining is a highly automated manufacturing technology. During the manufacturing process, it is only necessary to set the workflow, and the machine can complete the production according to the instructions, which greatly shortens the manufacturing time and avoids possible errors caused by manual manufacturing. The cost of repeated manufacturing is low, and there is no need to redesign and measure. Just import the original CAD file and set it up, and then the production can be automated. Therefore, CNC machining is very advantageous for medium-volume manufacturing.
Epilogue
With the popularization of CNC processing technology, CNC machines are no longer the patents of factory production, and CNC technology has gradually entered ordinary daily life. More and more companies are developing small CNC engraving machines, light body, simple and clear assembly process, and diversified specifications to meet different demands of consumers, so that the public can choose according to their own needs. CNC engraving machine. With simple guidelines, you can use CNC engraving machines at home to complete simple industrial designs. Even without ingenious craftsmanship, you can design your own unique artwork on wood and leather, and enjoy your own home studio!
