Guide to CNC Processing Machines: Types, Features and Applications

What is CNC machine？

Computer-aided machining (CNC) means being able to precisely control a machine using a computer program. CNC machines are a method of controlling machine tools through a computer. It works on the principle of transforming digital virtualized designs into actual mechanical actions based on CAD models.

How does a CNC system work?

A CAD model is first created that represents the desired end product. These patterns are then converted into G-code format, a language that CNC machines understand and use to specify triggers, speeds, and tool changes. The code is sent to the CNC machine, which interprets and executes the instructions.

Once the G code is imported, the CNC machine starts the machining task. A motor and drive unit are used to move the router along different axes. Yes, that's three common axes (X, Y, and Z). Some advanced CNC systems can use up to five blades, allowing for a variety of cuts and shapes. In machine building, the machine depends on the complexity and design of the product being manufactured. In CNC machining, different cutting tools and speeds can be used.

During operation, sensors monitor and feed information about several parameters back to the CNC system in real-time, which ensures that discrepancies are resolved quickly and the integrity of the final product is maintained.

What materials are used in the CNC machine?

What are the material limitations?

Although CNC machines are capable of handling a wide range of materials, the machining process is limited by material characteristics when dealing with materials that are excessively hard, brittle, soft, or have high thermal conductivity. These limitations require manufacturers to select materials with full consideration of the equipment's machining capabilities and tool performance and to take appropriate countermeasures during the machining process to ensure finished product quality and productivity.

What are the features of CNC machining?

1. High precision

CNC machining dimensional accuracy between d0.005-0.01mm can achieve micron-level machining accuracy, independent of the complexity of the part because most of the operations are done automatically by the machine.

2. Efficient and Automatic

Automation means that batch processing tasks can be completed without any human intervention, avoiding the limitation of manual work time, worker fatigue, and working hours. Continuous processing without stopping can complete different customized production and improve work efficiency.

3. Flexibility and Functionality

To achieve different tasks and batch production, each set of processing procedures can be modified to produce workpieces with plane graphics, three-dimensional graphics, complex curves, and other shapes.

What is the CNC machining process?

The following are common machining processes:

● Drilling - Processing of holes in workpieces through CNC drilling machines.
● Milling - Processing of complex geometries such as planes, slots, contours, etc. by CNC milling machines.
● Turning - Use a CNC lathe to process rotating surfaces such as the outer circle, inner hole, end face, etc. on the workpiece.
● Tapping - Processing internal threads in drilled holes.
● Reaming - Finishing of holes.
● Boring - Used to ream and finish previously drilled or cast holes.
● Grooving - Processing grooves and cutting away portions of material inside or outside the workpiece.
● Perforating - Creating holes in the material.
● Grinding - Removing material by contacting the surface of the material with an abrasive wheel.

What are the common types of CNC machines?

This is a list of common machine types:

1. CNC milling
2. CNC drilling
3. CNC Lathe
4. CNC grinding machines
5. Plasma cutting machines
6. Laser cutting machine
7. Flame cutting machine
8. Water jet cutting machine
9. CNC Milling Machine

1. CNC Milling Machine

CNC milling machines control the multi-directional movement of the spindle and tool through computer programs to ensure that the parts processed from raw materials can meet customized requirements. It can perform high-precision milling, drilling, cutting, tapping, and other processing tasks.

CNC milling machines have a variety of sizes and axes, from basic three-axis to complex six-axis; from simple two-dimensional planes to precise and complex three-dimensional structures, whether it is manufacturing small parts or precise complex processing, it can be completed efficiently.

CNC milling machines are widely used in various industries with their high precision and flexibility and can realize material processing from metal to plastic, composite stone, wood, etc.

2. CNC drilling machines

CNC drilling machines can perform high-precision drilling processing on the workpiece using CNC equipment.
It can usually process materials such as metals, plastics, and wood, but for some materials with softer physical properties, such as aluminum, entanglement may occur, affecting the processing results.

Standard CNC drilling machines are suitable for processing materials with a medium thickness of 10 to 30 millimeters, beyond which the drill bit needs to be replaced. Longer drill bits may cause the material to bend or vibrate, resulting in a loss of drilling accuracy, and the tool may even break.

3. CNC lathes

CNC lathes can evenly remove excess material by using fixed tools during the machine's rotation, easily meeting processing needs. It is particularly suitable for processing round objects, such as wheels and cylindrical parts, as well as flat products.

It can process many complex graphics thanks to its tool magazine, which can replace different tools during processing. For example, when cutting hard materials, it is necessary to replace wear-resistant tools. If the workpiece wants a smooth surface, it is necessary to use high-precision tools.

CNC lathes are capable of accomplishing high-precision machining, allowing the shape and size of the workpiece to conform to strict tolerances.

4. CNC grinding machines

CNC grinding machines utilize grinding wheels that rotate at high speeds to grind material. Compared to a CNC lathe, which uses a stationary tool to remove excess material, and a grinder, where the grinding wheels are in direct contact with the material, machining on a CNC grinder is a delicate process that is not as fast as a CNC lathe, which is why this machine produces workpieces with a high degree of finish in appearance.

It has different types of machining: flat grinding, external and internal grinding, all capable of producing flat, curved, round, and even specially shaped parts.

This type of processing ensures that the final product meets demanding standards in both appearance and function, and that complex shapes can be obtained in a short period for grinding.

5. Plasma cutting machines

The high temperature of the plasma arc is used to melt and cut conductive metal materials. Because generating a plasma arc requires releasing a voltage to the metal material to achieve cutting, it can only be used for cutting conductive materials, such as steel, aluminum, copper, and other metals, and is not suitable for materials that can not conduct electricity, such as wood, plastics, ceramics.

First consider the thickness of the metal, if a plasma arc is used to cut the metal.
Thin metals are smaller and can dissipate heat quickly, and the edges are smooth after the cutting is complete, without the effect of workpiece deformation or melting.

For thick metals, because the energy of the plasma arc column is more limited, and not up to the standard of cutting thick metal, it is difficult to penetrate the entire thickness, which will lead to incomplete cutting, the need to repeat the process many times."

Plasma-cutting machines are suitable for processing workpieces that do not require very high precision.

6. Laser cutting machines

A high-intensity focused beam of light (laser beam) is used to accomplish the cutting task. When the CNC laser beam hits the surface of the material, the high temperature generated on the surface causes the material to melt or vaporize quickly. Ideally suited for cutting thin metals and non-metallic materials.

Due to the high energy concentration of the laser cutter, it sends out a very small diameter laser beam that can quickly penetrate the material to achieve precise, detailed cutting without causing excessive heat diffusion or material deformation. It is especially ideal for the manufacture of parts, complex patterns, and precise shapes that require meticulous processing.

As a result, laser cutting machines are ideally suited for application scenarios that require high precision and complex cutting.

7. Flame cutting machine

CNC flame cutters utilize oxygen and fuel gas (e.g., acetylene, propane, or natural gas) to create a high-temperature flame that melts and cuts metal. Relying on the conductive nature of metals, the flame cutter quickly melts metal through heat up to 3,000°C, making it ideal for cutting carbon steel and other thick metallic conductive materials. However, it struggles with non-conductive materials, which tend to warp or scorch at high temperatures.

Unlike laser and plasma cutting machines, flame-cutting machines are particularly well suited to handle thicker metal materials. Its high-temperature flame effectively melts the metal, giving it good penetration when cutting workpieces thicker than 20 millimeters. As a result, it is widely used in industrial applications, especially in heavy industry and manufacturing.

However, due to the working principle and technical limitations of flame cutting, it is mainly suitable for straight and simple line cutting, making it difficult to cope with the processing needs of complex shapes. This gives flame-cutting machines an advantage when dealing with thick metals, but they fall short when it comes to fine and complex cuts.

Therefore, flame-cutting machines are suitable for situations that do not require high cutting accuracy.

8. Water jet cutting machine

It uses a high-pressure water jet mixed with abrasive to cut the material during the machining process. It is one of the most common cutting methods because it is a cold treatment and the material properties will hardly change during the machining process.

Thanks to the characteristics of cold processing, it is suitable for cutting a wide range of materials, especially for materials with heat sensitivity, such as metal, stone, glass, plastics, and so on. Able to handle from a few millimeters of thin materials to several centimeters of thick materials, to meet the different thicknesses and materials on the differentiation needs, become the ideal choice for all kinds of cutting projects.

Conclusion

CNC machine processing technology plays a vital role in today's manufacturing industry. It significantly improves the efficiency and accuracy of production by combining computer programs with machining. Whether it's a precision engine part, a medical implant, or a delicate electronic device enclosure, CNC machining provides a quality manufacturing solution for a wide variety of products.

As a specialized supplier of CNC processing machines, we understand that each customer's needs are unique. So whether you are producing small batches or large-scale manufacturing, we can provide you with a customized solution to ensure that your specific machining requirements are met. Contact us today and we look forward to providing you with the most suitable CNC processing machine and services!