Our complete manufacturing facility allows Accudyne Corporation the opportunity to manufacture parts to drawing specifications. From a few drill and tapped holes to deep multi-axis contouring, there is no application beyond our expertise. In addition, our precision cut-off saw can hold extremely tight cut-to-length tolerances. Accudyne Corporation’s complete list of secondary processes eliminates the number of set-ups, reduces cycle times, reduces freight and expediting costs – all equaling cost savings in your pocket!
So, what exactly is CNC machining? The term CNC stands for “computer numerical control” and the CNC definition is that it is a subtractive manufacturing process that typically employs computerized controls and machine tools to remove layers of material from a stock piece – also known as the blank – and produces a custom designed part. CNC machining is suitable for a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, wood, glass, foam and composites and finds applications in a variety of industries such as aerospace, sporting goods, transportation, construction, agriculture, home goods and many more applications that require tighter tolerances than what can be achieved on an custom extruded aluminum extrusion.
HOW DOES A CNC MACHINE WORK?
Running on a set of prescribed digital instructions, CNC machines use computer files to execute a project. These digital instructions are created in either Computer Aided Design (CAD) or Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) files. Once the program is uploaded, an operator runs a test program, often referred to as “cutting air”. This trial run is an important first step to verifying both speed and tool position because any discrepancies can result in damage to the machine or parts being created. To maximize efficiency, CNC machines combine multiple tools into common cells or units. They produce the desired product by removing material from the original stock source. This results in a stronger, more durable finished product.
THE IMPORTANCE OF CNC MACHINING
- Better Efficiency- Multiple parts can be produced eliminating the need to machine one part at a time.
- Greater Precisio- CNC machines work according to preprogrammed instructions, which give identical orders and pathways to follow.
TYPES OF CNC MACHINING OPERATIONS
CNC machining is a manufacturing process suitable for a wide range of industries including transportation, sporting goods, home goods, aerospace, construction and agriculture and able to produce a range of products such as frames, surgical equipment, aerospace parts, gears and hand garden tools, The process encompasses several different computer-controlled machining operations – including mechanical, chemical, electrical and thermal processes – which removes the necessary material from the workpiece to produce a custom-designed part or product. Some of the most common mechanical processes are:
- Drilling
- Milling
- Turning
CNC DRILLING
Drilling is a machining process which employs multi-point drill bits to produce cylindrical holes in the workpiece. In CNC drilling, typically the CNC machine feeds the rotating drill bit perpendicularly to the plane of the workpiece’s surface, which produces vertically – aligned holes with diameters equal to the diameter of the drill bit employed for the drilling operation. Angular drilling operations can also be performed through the use of specialized machine configurations. Operational capabilities of the drilling process including counterboring, countersinking, reaming and tapping.
CNC MILLING
CNC milling is a machining process which employs rotating multi-port cutting tools to remove material from the workpiece. In CNC milling, the CNC machine typically feeds the workpiece to the cutting tool in the same direction as the cutting tools rotation, whereas in manual milling, the machine feeds the workpiece in the opposite direction to the cutting tool’s rotation. Operational capabilities of the milling process include face milling, cutting shallow, flat surfaces and flat-bottomed cavities into the workpiece – and peripheral milling – cutting deep cavities, such as slots and threads into the workpiece.
CNC TURNING
Turning is a machining process which employs single point cutting tools to remove material from the rotating workpiece. In CNC turning, the machine – typically a CNC lathe machine – feeds the cutting tool in a linear motion along the surface of the rotating workpiece, removing material around the circumference until the desired diameter is achieved, to produce cylindrical parts with external and internal features, such as slots, tapers, and threads. Operational capabilities of the turning process include boring, facing, grooving and thread cutting. When it comes to CNC Milling vs. lathe, milling with its rotating cutting tools works better for more complex parts. However, lathes with rotating workpieces and stationary cutting tools work best for faster, more accurate creation of round parts.