WHAT IS CNC MACHINING
CNC is a computer-controlled process used to control machine tools. It is an advanced version of computer control as it uses exclusive and rare software in combination with a console control panel to control a variety of machines including lathes, mills, routers, drills and grinders.CNC machining, being a part of the automated production lines, is solely dependent by the manufacturing sector.
Heavy machining tools work digitally under CNC machining-During the process of manufacture, each object is considered keeping in mind a customized software program, after which the machines are programmed using CNC machining language or G-code which controls various phase of work to be done including material feed rate, positioning and speed or velocity. In the manufacturing sectors, CNC machining is utilized both on metals as well as on plastics.
PROCEDURE:-
The basic step in CNC machining is to make a 2D or 3D CAD drawing of the object which includes its shape and measurements and after which a programmer makes the machining code, whereby the program is loaded by the operator who examines to make sure that the code is problem free.
The program run without material is known as “Cutting air” which is an important step to make sure that the tool position and its speed are actually right, and also to erase any confusion that may lead to the damage of the machines or its part.
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ADVANTAGES:-
Manual machining is less beneficial than CNC machining. Its process is much more specific as compared to manual machining as after the program is loaded and tested it can be repeated several times, where the outcome results in the perfectly manufactured parts that are able to meet the small tolerances which are similar to each other.
As compared to manual machining, heavy machining produces object faster and allows manufacturers to easily meet the high volume orders. It can also produce complex as well as three dimensional shapes that are impossible using manual machining.
Except for the timely maintenance or repairs, CNC machines can run 24 hours a day and 365 days a year without being turned off. The skills required for CNC is high as compared to the manual machining. With the help of CNC machining, there is less wastage and the increase is high for overall productivity, ensuring manufacturers to keep their costs low.
CNC MACHINES:-
CNC WATER JET CUTTER – It cuts metals or other materials by using high power water jet and pressure or a mixture of high velocity water and sand like substance. Water jet cutters cut, shape, carve or ream materials.
CNC PLASMA CUTTERS:-
It uses plasma torch used to cut steel, but can be used on other materials as well. The inert gas used in the process is blown out of the nozzle at a very high speed. Similarly, an electrical arc is passed through the gas from the nozzle to the surface of the work piece whereby turning some of them into plasma which is hot enough to melt the material being cut and moves fast to blow away the melted material from the cut.
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CNC LATHES:-
They cut spinning metal pieces. Indexed tools and drills can be made fast and precise by using CNC lathes. They often contain upto 12 tool holders and coolant pumps in order to protect the tools from wear and tear.
CNC MILLS:-
They work by translating programs that contains letters and numbers to move the spindle to different depths and locations for cutting various materials.
CNC ELECTRIC DISCHARGE MACHINING:-
Often known as spark machining, it is used for making shapes as per our desire. Because of the recurring electric discharges between two electrodes, the material gets removed from a work piece which in turn are separated by a dielectric fluid and the discharge is subjected an electric voltage. Out of the two electrodes, one is the “tool” and the other one is the “work piece” electrode.
As the distance between the 2 electrodes is reduced, the space between them grows stronger than the dielectric strength, resulting in its breaking to allow the current to flow between the electrodes. The material is removed from both the electrodes as soon as the current flows between them. ‘Flushing’ is a process where, after the current stops new electric fluid is added into the inter-electrode which lets the solid particles be carried away while the insulating properties of the dielectric are restored.
CONCLUSION:-
As compared to the manually controlled machines, CNC machining tools delivers exact copies of an object quickly and accurately. Their speed and accuracy reduces the cost of labour and waste, while increasing productivity alongwith the efficiency.
