CNC machining is a very convenient and effective manufacturing technology that uses computer numerical control (CNC) technology to control machines and tools for processing various materials and items. Almost all machining materials can be used on CNC machines. It really depends on the application. Common materials include metals such as aluminum, brass, copper, steel, and titanium, as well as wood, foam, fiberglass, and plastics such as polypropylene, ABS, POM, PC, nylon, and more. But some materials are too soft or too soft and rigid to be machined on a CNC machine. For example, materials such as rubber or silicone are too soft for CNC machining, and ceramics are too hard for precision machining.
Common Uses Of CNC Precision Machining Parts
Using CNC technology and various cutting tools, almost anything can be manufactured on CNC machine tools, from marine parts, mechanical parts to aerospace parts, these parts are usually high-precision parts, including shafts, gears, bushings, flywheels, cams, molds , propellers etc. that can be produced on a CNC machine depends on the type of machine used. Each type of CNC machine has its own machining capabilities for the manufacture of unique part properties. For example, round or spherical parts produced on a CNC turning center cannot be produced on a CNC milling machine. Parts produced from milling machines cannot be processed by CNC lathes, etc.
Products Can Be Machined By Turning CNC Precision parts
In the CNC machining industry, CNC lathes are used to process linear cylinders, inclined cylinders, arcs, and various threads, grooves, worms, and can also process some complex rotating surfaces, such as hyperboloids. Typical CNC turning parts include shift knobs, knobs, pulleys, shafts, hubs, bushings, flywheels, etc. CNC precision parts that can be processed by milling products CNC milling machines are mainly used to process various complex planes, curved surfaces and shell parts, For example, various cams, molds, connecting rods, sheets, propellers, boxes, and shell shape parts are processed by CNC milling. In summary, typical CNC milled parts can be divided into three categories: flat parts, surface parts and angle steel parts. Each machine has its own precision class and machining sequence. Occasionally, – some processing equipment will be used to manufacture certain components.
So What Can’t CNC Machining Do?
Almost all parts can be manufactured on CNC machines, but there are some limitations. Parts with certain features that are not suitable for CNC machining include:
- Inner vertical angle The CNC milling tool has a cylindrical shape, so when cutting the inner wall, it will leave a radius on the vertical angle. Although the nose radius can be reduced by using a smaller diameter tool, no interior vertical angle can be made no matter how small the diameter of the tool used.
- Precision parts with deep cavities Due to the limited cutting length, the tool usually works best when the cutting depth reaches 2-3 times its diameter of the cavity. Milling pockets with a depth of more than 4 times the tool diameter will greatly increase the difficulty of machining and tool breakage.
- Thin-walled precision parts Thin-walled parts are difficult to process, and are easily deformed or broken during CNC machining. Thin walls plus I require multiple passes at low depths of cut, and thin features are also prone to vibration, making them challenging and increasing machining time precisely.
- Precision parts with notches Since the cutting tool cannot reach there for any machining, some notches on the inner wall of the part are difficult to machine with CNC.
Therefore, it is recommended to avoid these functions before designing CNC precision part machining. CNC machining provides precise cutting and manipulation capabilities, and it is easy to say that almost any product made of wood, metal, aluminum, alloys, and various other materials can be completely constructed or improved by using CNC machines. CNC has its limitations, so it is advisable to avoid shortcuts before designing CNC machining of precision parts.