CNC Precision Machining: Types et applications
CNC precision machining is a process that is opted for by industries for manufacturing their components. The process is versatile and has many types. If you are looking to have your components manufactured through CNC precision machining, the guide below will help. So, let's read.
What is CNC Precision Machining?
CNC precision machining is a process that helps to create components by creating the workpieces in different shapes. The process uses CAD software to design the components and create these parts.
The high precision CNC machining is one of the most crucial aspects of manufacturing these days, and it collaborates with designers to design the parts. The code is sent to the CNC machine by the machinist, and the machine performs movements creating the precise geometry.
CNC Precision Machining Process
The process of manufacturing precision Pièces usinées CNC is as follows:
- The process starts by choosing the materials that are compatible with the process of CNC machining. These include metal as well as plastics. However, the selection is based on the nature of the application and the properties required.
- It is important to create a graphical model of the component, which is achieved through the process of CAD software. The software lets the programmers create models of the components that are meant to be manufactured.
- Once the designs are created in the CAM format, the next stage is machine setup, which involves using the right tools and securing the workpiece in the machines. The choice of machine tools is based on the workpiece materials, which ensures it is dependent on the final design of the part.
- The main process is the process of machining, where the instructions are given by the software to the machine. The raw material is shaped by choosing the relevant CNC process. The processes may consist of milling, turning, rolling, etc.
- Once the components are manufactured, some of them may need to be subjected to post-processing, which involves surface finishing methods. These methods consist of anodizing, polishing, painting, etc.
Types of Precision CNC Machines
There are different types of CNC machines that help achieve CNC machining on various components, and they are discussed below.
Machines à fraiser CNC
CNC milling machines shape the material in a stationary position as the cutting tool rotates. These machines can produce multiple types of shapes. They are meant to create face mill features like cavities and flat surfaces, which are not too deep, whereas the peripheral filled features consisting of slots, threads, and other deep cavities are even milled.
CNC Turning and Lathes
CNC turning machines rotate the workpiece during the process of machining and the tools cut in linear motion. CNC lathes create components that have tight tolerance and varied diameters. These machines also help to create features internally as well as externally on the components, which include drilled holes, bores, and tapers.
CNC Drilling Machines
A CNC drilling machine has drill bits that rotate and create this on the component. They keep the chips away from the component and use an advanced method of drilling. Some of the drilling operations are the following:
- Drill press helps to create custom drills.
- Peck drills reduce the number of chips that the workpieces create.
- Screw machine drills create holes without any pilot holes.
- Spot drill creates pilot holes.
- Chucking reamers help to enlarge holes created previously.
Electrical Discharge Machines (EDM)
Electric discharge machining is a process that uses electrical parts that help in shaping materials. It consists of using an electrode wire which helps to shape the part according to the required design. The wire releases heat, which melts the material, and an electrolytic fluid is flushed to help attain the required shape.
CNC Plasma Cutting Machines
CNC plasma cutting machines use a high-powered plasma torch, which can melt the workpiece and cut the materials. The process of plasma cutting requires using materials that offer electric conductivity.
CNC Precision Grinding Machines
CNC precision grinding machines are required to attain smooth surfaces of the components. CNC machines like lathes and mills create rough surfaces which are smoothened by CNC grinders.
Advantages of High Precision CNC Machining
There are multiple benefits of high-precision CNC machining, and some of these are as follows:
- The automated CNC machining process eliminates the need for manual operations and helps to create precise components in an automated way.
- The components manufactured using precision CNC machines have a high tolerance, and industries that need the same parts may find this process to be suitable. It helps to create repeatable and precise components, maintaining uniform quality.
- The process of precision CNC machining can also help to use various materials like metals and plastics, and can create versatile shapes and sizes.
- CNC precision machining helps to create a high volume of parts as it has an automated machining process, and these parts are very accurate. The time taken for processing these components is much less and the labor costs are also reduced.
Materials Suitable for CNC Precision Machining
The process of CNC precision machining involves using different materials, and these are as follows:
Métaux
Precision CNC machining is suitable for working with metals that have varied hardness and strength. The process uses advanced methods, and the common metals that are machined with the CNC process are brass, copper, steel, aluminum, and stainless steel.
Plastiques
CNC precision machining works with all types of plastics, and it offers high-quality components at a very reasonable price. Some of the commonly opted plastics used for manufacturing components are ABS, polyamide, PMMA, polycarbonate, and polyoxymethylene.
Main Applications and Industries of CNC Precision Parts
CNC precision parts are used in various industries and applications, and some of these are as follows:
Automobile
The automobile industry requires innovative components to keep their vehicles up to date. Hence, CNC machining proves to be a highly suitable process for manufacturing these components. They use CNC machining to create prototypes that can be tested.
Aérospatiale
Aerospace parts require high accuracy, and in case of any errors, the lives of people may be at stake. Hence, high-precision machining helps to produce parts for the aerospace industry, which includes airfoils, gear ports, manifolds, and bushings.
Médical
The medical sector requires components that have tight tolerance and precision. Medical tools like implants, orthotic devices, and enclosures have a tight tolerance.
Robotique
Robotic components and parts are very sensitive, and they need to be highly accurate. Hence, when it comes to manufacturing these parts, precision CNC machining can be of great help as it produces tight tolerance and accurate robotic components.
Électronique
The electronics industry requires lightweight and compact components that can be manufactured with CNC machining. Precision CNC machining can create electronic parts in high volume and tight tolerance. These parts mostly consist of heat sinks, semiconductors, and other parts.
Choosing a CNC Precision Machining Partner - DEK
CNC machining is a precise process but requires choosing the right partner for manufacturing your project components. We at DEK have highly automated and advanced CNC machines that are equipped with versatile tools and can help manufacture components with various features. So, contact us today to get these parts manufactured for your applications.
Conclusion
The significance of precision CNC machining is undeniable, and it has handled the process of manufacturing parts for almost every industry. As you have read above, there are different processes involved in high-precision CNC machining, and each of them can create parts that have varied features.
FAQ
What is the difference between CNC machining and precision machining?
CNC machining refers to automated machining processes, whereas precision machining consists of manufacturing highly accurate and precise parts.
How accurate is CNC machining?
CNC machining is a highly accurate process that can offer tolerances of +/- 0.001 inches.
Is CNC precision machining expensive?
CNC precision machining is expensive compared to the traditional process of machining, but in the long run, the cost of each part is reduced.
What are the types of CNC precision machines?
The different types of CNC precision machines consist of plasma cutters, CNC milling, turning, and EDM.
What is the most precise CNC machine?
5-axis CNC machining is the most precise type of CNC machining process, which can create parts moving in 5 different axes.
