CNC machines were invented in 1949. They have changed industries and manufacturing forever since then. A CNC machine is a piece of factory equipment or tool that moves in response to pre-programmed computer software. Manufacturing companies can produce parts in less time, reduce waste, and eliminate the chance of human error.
Several complex machines will be discussed in this article, which uses this manufacturing process to control them. With CNC machining used Doosan, three-dimensional cutting is made possible by following a few simple steps. Several CNC machines allow you to make almost anything you want, depending on your budget, time frame, work material, shape, and size.
- CNC Milling Machine
CNC mills are used to cut materials using computer control. They are one of the most common types of CNC machines. The spindle of a mill can be moved by using numbers and letters encoded in programs.
A common programming language used by most CNC machines is G-code, a standardized language utilized by many mills. The functions of a CNC mill include face milling, shoulder milling, tapping, drilling, and turning. These mills are 3-axis machines, while the CNC mill is huge and expensive compared to other tools. Okuma, HAAS, and DMG Mori are some manufacturers.
- CNC Lathe
CNC lathes are used to cut workpieces by rotating them. Their various tools allow them to make precise cuts quickly. Contrary to manual lathes, CNC machines are quite precise. Compared to CNC milling machines, they are smaller and more compact, having fewer axes.
A CNC lathe comes with controls similar to a CNC mill and can read both G-code and proprietary programming languages. Manufacturers of CNC lathe machines include HAAS, Mori Seiki, and Okuma. They work similarly to manual lathes.
- CNC Router
CNC routers are very similar to handheld routers commonly used to cut various materials. Steel, wood, aluminum, composites, plastic, and foam can all be cut with this type of CNC machine.
CNC routers are similar to CNC mills. It can route tool paths using computer numerical control so that the machine can function. It also reduces waste and increases productivity by producing items faster than other machines.
Almost all routers can operate in three dimensions on a particular material, perfect for smaller projects, prototypes, and complex designs. There are also routers with three axes, five axes, and six axes.
- CNC Plasma Cutter
Plasma cutting involves cutting material by using a plasma torch. Metals such as steel and other types of metal are commonly cut using this method. CNC plasma cutters use high-speed gas blowing from nozzles. An electrical arc forms between the gas from the nozzle and the material being cut during this process. Plasma is formed due to this conversion, and that plasma has a temperature that ranges from 10,000 to 50,000 degrees. As soon as the plasma hits the material, it melts and blows any molten metal away from the cutting site. CNC plasma cutters and CNC routers are very similar in shape and size. They work only in two dimensions.
- CNC Electric Discharge Machine
Electric discharge machining creates a specific shape within a material using electrical discharges or sparks. A series of electrical discharges among two electrodes remove material from a workpiece in this process. An electric voltage is often applied to this dielectric fluid, separating the electrodes. The machine measures how much electricity needs to be discharged by each electrode after placing the material between two electrodes.
- CNC Laser Cutter
Last but not least is the CNC laser cutter. Machines like these are similar to CNC plasma machines, but lasers are more commonly used for cutting metal, plastic, or hardwood because they are very accurate. The laser frequency can be adjusted depending on the density and strength of the material.
