CNC machining is a metal fabrication method where written code controls the machinery in the manufacturing process. The code determines everything from the movement of the cutting head and the part to spindle speed, RPMs, and more.

History

CNC machining services use a subtractive fabrication method. This means that material gets removed during the production process, making it the opposite of additive manufacturing, e.g. 3D printing.

CNC stands for computer numerical control. The evolution towards the current state began with NC, or Numerical Control.

The first NC machines were built in the 40s and 50s. These machines were based on existing tools but with some modifications.

The motors moved based on the informational input given to them via punched tape. The code was manually punched into data cards.

In the 1950s the first steps towards CNC machining were done. At first, MIT’s computers were ready to produce the punched tape according to the inputs. In one instance, this reduced the time spent on producing the card from 8 hours to 15 minutes for a milling job.

Types of Machining

Milling:

It is an operation where the cutting tool rotates. When the milling tool comes into contact with the workpiece it removes material from it.

Turning:

While both Milling and Turning are often referred to as CNC machining, both of them have distinct differences. Turning is pretty much the opposite of milling, this means that instead of the cutting tool, the workpiece is rotating. CNC Turning is commonly used for producing shafts, for example. The tool is brought against the rotating workpiece to cut off bits of metal, known as chips or swarf. Achieving high accuracy for a suitable type of limits and fits system is possible.

Turning is usable on the outside of a cylinder or on the inside. The latter operation is called boring.

Grinding:

CNC grinding machines use a rotating grinding wheel to remove material. The objective is to give a high precision finish to a metal part. The achievable surface quality is very high. Therefore, it is used as a finishing operation rather than creating the final piece from raw materials.

Drilling:

While milling equipment can also produce holes, drills are meant only for that job alone.

The main difference is that while milling tools use cutting edges around the cutting head’s periphery, drills use the tip of the tool to produce a hole. Furthermore, CNC drilling machines are commonly used to automate this job, provide better accuracy and more cost-effective solutions.

Our Machines:

XYZ TC 320 LTY

The XYZ TC 320 LTY is the largest y-axis turning centre in the XYZ range and provides exceptional capacity from a solid cast machine base.

The addition of the 100 mm Y axis (+/-50 mm) adds a degree of versatility to the machine that allows many parts to be machined complete, increasing productivity significantly.

XYZ 1510 VMC

XYZ 1510 VMC is built on a solid Meehanite ribbed casting with induction hardened & ground slides and Turcite-B coated ways. Superb vibration absorption and rigidity is provided by this combination along with the computer modelled ‘rib reinforcement’. Optimised digital servo motors and automatic lubrication with slides and ball screws ensures fast rapids.

Doosan LYNX 2100LSY

We have an automatic feeder attached to the Doosan LYNX 2100LSY.

The performance of the machine is enhanced by advanced (high torque) spindle technology, fast servo-driven turret indexing; impressive rapid rates and high-rigidity LM roller guides.