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What is CNC Machining and what is it used for ?

CNC MACHINING APPLICATIONS & BENEFITS

NC (Numerical Control) machining has been around since 1950’s and once computers were more popular it began to be called CNC (Computer Numerical Control). For decades it’s been a tried and trusted method of fabrication for multiple materials like aluminum, carbon and stainless steel, titanium, brass, castings, plastic, wood, gold, silver and synthetic materials including ABS, composites, polycarbonate and others.

Nearly anything that requires engineering or planned design most likely involves CNC machining in some way. All kinds of industries and businesses need quantities of large and small metal and plastic components that may become part of anything from automobiles to zoos.

If you’re reading this on a computer or handheld device, it probably contains something created by CNC machining. If you drive a car or have machines in the garage, they are likely to have components produced with CNC machining. There is much to gain from learning about the CNC machining process and how it can benefit your unique business application.

WHAT IS CNC MACHINING?

CNC refers to computer-numerical control machining, and it automatically operates machine parts including lathes, routers, grinders, shapers, mills and more under the control of a computer instead of a human operator. Compared to manual operation, CNC machining reaches an exponentially faster and more precise level of production through multitasking. The process employs several axes at once to accomplish the jobs.

The computer controlling the machine is not your average desktop computer. CNC brains are located in a console and programmed with “G-code” written especially for CNC machining. The code contains elements that enable control over feed rate, coordination, speed and position. The code also helps produce precise, consistent parts that end up as products or building blocks of products.

CNC machining involves exact, high-speed movements that enable expedited production, customization and several opportunities to gain benefits. CNC machining most often involves doing the jobs of lathes, routers, mills and grinders, and it encompasses bending, forming, turning, Swiss-style machining and other processes as well.

Application Across Industries

CNC machines have many uses across diverse industries. CNC machine is not limited to any single sector. All kinds of businesses need precisely machined parts with unfailing consistency. Countless industries use CNC machining for their metal fabrication needs, including but not limited to the following

Aerospace

Metal aircraft components can be machined to a high level of precision, which is essential for safety-critical applications, and the range of engineering metals compatible with CNC provides aerospace engineers with plenty of options. Machinable aerospace components include engine mounts, fuel flow components, landing gear components, and fuel access panels.

Automotive

Extruded metal can be machined into cylinder blocks, gear boxes, valves, axels, and various other components, while plastic can be machined into components like dashboard panels and gas gauges.

Consumer Electronics

CNC machining is widely used for the prototyping and production of consumer electronics such as laptops and smartphones. Machined Aluminium and Magnesium chassis for certain expensive laptops are CNC machined to perfection.

Defense

The military sector frequently turns to CNC machining for the prototyping and high precision production of rugged and reliable parts that will withstand wear and tear with minimal upkeep.

Dental

Dental implants need machining to be just exactly the right shape. Besides the items that are surgically implanted, there are also the tools the doctors and assistants use. CNC machining puts just the right point, angle or bend on the business end of the instruments, as well as the texture on the handle that helps the professionals keep their grip.

Shipping

Manufacturing of specialized molds, trimmings, hull parts, furnishings for specialized parts and components on boats and yachts.

Hospitality

Making parts & accessories for bars, restaurants, hotels especially where high customization is required.

Prototyping

CNC machine is highly useful for prototyping for any industry where quick design validations are required.

Firearms
Weapons of all kinds may require CNC machining, but especially firearms. If you’ve ever seen a disassembled gun, you’ve seen the result of the CNC machining processes that created the pins, etched parts, barrels, plates, triggers, ammunition clips and other components of the firearm.

Tooling

In addition to being an excellent direct manufacturing process, CNC machining can be used as an indirect manufacturing process to aid processes like injection molding.

Hybrid Manufacturing

CNC machining does not have to be used independently of another manufacturing process. Combining it with other processes like 3D printing or metal casting can lead to superior parts and products.

Benefits of CNC Machining

A huge benefit of CNC machining is how it not only performs in all kinds of environments, it enhances the business’s overall bottom line by doing the job faster and more cleanly than any other method reducing manual errors. Many essential metal fabrication tasks are made easier and faster with CNC machining for example

  • Boring
  • Contouring
  • Cutting
  • Drilling
  • Engraving
  • Facing
  • Grinding
  • Grooving
  • Knurling
  • Lathing
  • Milling
  • Punching
  • Shearing
  • Shaping
  • Stamping
  • Tapping
  • Texturing
  • Threading
  • Turning
  • Welding

The full range of capabilities CNC machining delivers makes it possible to create just about anything part or tool a business needs.