What is cnc machining

CNC technology originated from the needs of the aviation industry. In the late 1940s, an American helicopter company proposed the initial idea of CNC machine tools.

In 1952, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology developed a three coordinate CNC milling machine.

In the mid-1950s, this type of CNC milling machine was used to process aircraft parts.

used in various industrial sectors. However, the aerospace industry has always been the largest user of CNC machine tools; Some large aviation factories are equipped with hundreds of CNC machine tools.

In the early days of the development of CNC machine tools, CNC machine tools with continuous trajectory were mainly used for continuous trajectory control; continuous trajectory control, also known as contour control, requires the tool to move according to a prescribed trajectory relative to the part. Later, we vigorously developed point control CNC machine tools. Point control means that the tool moves from one point to another as long as it reaches the target accurately regardless of the movement route.

In order to improve the degree of production automation, shorten programming time and reduce CNC machining costs, a series of advanced CNC machining technologies have been developed.

Such as computer numerical control, which uses a small or microcomputer to replace the controller in the numerical control system, and uses software stored in the computer to perform calculation and control functions. This soft-connected computer numerical control system is gradually replacing the initial state of the numerical control system. 

Direct CNC uses computers to directly control multiple CNC machine tools, which is very suitable for small batch and short-cycle production of aircraft.

system itself is complex and expensive, it can improve machining efficiency and quality.In addition to improving the hardware of CNC systems and machine tools, another important aspect of the development of CNC is the development of software.which is generally divided into main processing programs and post processing programs. The former translates the program written by programmers and calculates the tool path; The latter compiles the tool trajectory into a machining program for CNC machine tools.

inputting these programs into a machine tool controlled by a computer program for directive machining, or directly writing instructions on the control panel of the machine tool controlled by this computer program for machining. The machining process includes: tool feeding, tool changing, variable speed, direction changing, parking, etc., all of which are completed automatically.

CNC machining, which stands for Computer Numerical Control machining, is a manufacturing process that utilizes computerized controls and machine tools to remove material from a workpiece to create a custom-designed part or product. This process is highly precise and efficient, allowing for the production of complex and accurate components.

Implementing CNC machining programming is crucial, but programming alone is not enough. Here's an overview of the key components and steps involved in CNC machining:

1) Computer-Aided Design (CAD): The process begins with creating a detailed 3D model of the part using CAD software. This digital model serves as the blueprint for the CNC machining process.

2) Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM): The CAD model is then converted into a CNC program using CAM software. This program contains the instructions that the CNC machine will follow to manufacture the part.

3) CNC Machine Setup: The CNC machine is set up with the necessary tools, such as drills or cutters, and the workpiece is secured to the machine bed. The machine's axes are also calibrated to ensure precise movement.

4) Toolpath Generation: The CAM software generates a toolpath, which is the specific route that the cutting tool will follow to shape the workpiece. This toolpath is determined based on the geometry of the part and the selected tools.

5) CNC Machining Operations: The CNC machine executes the programmed instructions, precisely controlling the movement of the cutting tool in multiple axes (commonly X, Y, and Z). The cutting tool removes material from the workpiece according to the specified design.

6) Quality Control: Throughout the machining process, quality control measures may be implemented to ensure that the finished part meets the desired specifications. This can include measurements, inspections, and testing.

CNC machining is widely used in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, medical, and electronics, among others. It offers several advantages, such as high precision, repeatability, and the ability to produce complex shapes and tight tolerances. Additionally, CNC machining allows for efficient production of prototypes, small batches, and large-scale production runs.

The process specifications for CNC machine tool processing and traditional machine tool processing are generally consistent, but there have also been significant changes. A mechanical machining method that uses digital information to control the displacement of parts and tools. It is an effective way to solve the problems of variable parts variety, small batch size, complex shape, high accuracy, and achieve efficient and automated processing.

CNC machine tools are advanced processing equipment with high automation and complex structures; There are many specialized types of CNC machine tools that can perform various operations on raw materials; Vertical machining center, horizontal machining center, gantry machining center, composite machining center, five axis linkage CNC machine tool, gantry CNC machine tool, etc:

1.CNC lathe: CNC lathe is the most common type of CNC machine tool, mainly used for machining rotating parts such as shafts, discs, sleeves, etc. CNC lathes have high machining accuracy and production efficiency, making them suitable for mass production.

2.CNC milling machine: CNC milling machine is a relatively complex CNC machine tool that can perform multi axis machining, such as milling, drilling, tapping, etc. CNC milling machines are suitable for processing complex shapes such as curved surfaces, molds, and parts.

3.CNC grinding machine: CNC grinding machine is a high-precision CNC machine tool mainly used for machining the surface of parts, such as flat, cylindrical, conical surfaces, etc. The machining accuracy of CNC grinding machines can reach the micrometer level.

4.CNC drilling machine: CNC drilling machines are mainly used for processing hole type parts, such as shafts, sleeves, plates, etc. CNC drilling machines can perform multi axis drilling processing, suitable for drilling various complex parts.

5.CNC bending machine: CNC bending machine is a type of CNC machine tool specifically used for bending processing, which can perform bending, edge bending, and other processing on sheet metal.

6.CNC press: CNC press is a type of CNC machine tool specifically used for stamping processing, which can perform stamping, stretching and other processing on sheet metal.

7.CNC shearing machine: CNC shearing machine is a type of CNC machine tool specifically used for shearing processing, which can perform cutting, cutting, and other processing on sheet metal.

8.CNC wire cutting machine: CNC wire cutting machine is a CNC machine tool specifically used for electrical discharge wire cutting processing, which can cut and process metal materials.

9.CNC laser cutting machine: CNC laser cutting machine is a CNC machine tool specifically used for laser cutting processing, which can perform high-precision cutting, marking and other processing on metal materials.

10. CNC engraving machine: CNC engraving machine is a type of CNC machine tool specifically used for engraving and processing, which can perform engraving and processing on materials such as metal and stone.

In fact, there are many other types of CNC machine tools, such as CNC machine tools for EDM, CNC drilling machines, stamping CNC machine tools, etc. Different types of CNC machine tools are suitable for different processing needs, and suitable types can be selected for processing according to actual situations.

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