April 7, 2020 CNC Machines

Learning about CNC machines and their application in industrial manufacturing and metal working.

Machines have always been one of man’s greatest inventions. They have successfully infiltrated every economic industry and workplace. They have integrated themselves into modern society, playing a vital role in the daily lives of the humankind. (read more)

Machines, in collaboration with the latest technological advancements, are slowly shaping the world through industrial manufacturing.

Although not widely commemorated, industrial manufacturing is responsible for keeping the economy running. It is the source of all raw materials utilized by the different industries in the society such as agricultural, mining, and commercial. Its output is an essential part of every other industry’s products and services.

The industrial manufacturing business produces a wide variety of outputs—from huge, complex apparatuses to small, portable materials. Regardless of its kind, every output serves two purposes. First, it’s to lessen the amount of human labor or workforce used in any kind of industry or organization. Second is to ease and improve the quality of human life in every aspect.

Since the discovery of machines, the manufacturing industry pioneered multiple breakthroughs in creating sophisticated and high-tech pieces of device, metalwork, and products. These are made possible through CNC machining—an important discovery of the 1950s. Read about it here: https://www.cnc.com/the-history-of-computer-numerical-control-cnc/.

What is CNC machining?

CNC or computer numerically controlled machining is a high-precision manufacturing technique used by machinists and engineers in the industrial and manufacturing industry. It is a manufacturing process wherein programmed software or computerized controls are inputted into a machine to dictate its movement and function. The process involves the actual subtraction of materials from a specific piece (metal, plastic, wood, and composite) to achieve the desired shape of the workpiece.

CNC machining displayed its remarkable work in several operations, especially in metal works and metal cutting.

CNC Metal-Cutting Mechanism

The system is renowned for its ability to cut pieces of metals into precise and highly detailed forms and sizes. CNC metal cutting machines can produce any kind of metal cut, arc, or angle for any kind of industrial product.

Different kinds of the machine such as plasma, laser, and water jet are equipped to cut and shape any kind of steel—aluminum, brass, copper, bronze, and stainless.

How Does It Work?

• An engineer, draftsman, or machinist will create a computerized instruction from soft wares like CAD (computer-aided design) and CAM (computer-aided manufacturing).
• An electro-mechanical CNC machine will then interpret the digital instruction.
• The most basic numerically-controlled mechanism only moves in two axes (the x and y). The advanced ones can move in the x, y, and z-axes. Some can even flip metal parts to accommodate the removal of materials underneath the metal piece. All these are done in an accurate, precise, and time-efficient manner without the help of a laborer.

CNC Proper Maintenance

Like any other appliance and device, the computer-controlled machine requires intensive care and maintenance to deliver remarkable performance in every output. A damaged and broken machinery can cost your business hundreds of dollars both in income and repair. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth sailing performance:

• Fluids are important components of any metal equipment. Make it a habit to always check the lubricant and hydraulics fluid levels, especially if you are using it daily. Replenish and replace the fluid following the machine’s manual specifications.
• Take into consideration the type of lubricant you are going to use. There is a CNC lubricant manufacturer that uses eco-friendly products without harmful chemicals. These are non-toxic, organic oil products that can prolong the equipment’s durability and life.
• Check your machine’s grease content. Make sure to grease every dry spot and movable part of the contraption. This will prevent unwanted damage and corrosion of its parts.
• Make sure that it is not consuming fluids above its normal rate. Consuming excessive amounts of fluids are the telltale sign of a defected machine.
• Wipe away any grime, dust, and debris left on its parts and surfaces. This will prevent any hidden build-up of small metal shavings.

These are the daily maintenance you need to perform during the start and end of each shift. To maximize your equipment use, perform a spring cleaning every week or as often as its manual states. Weekly cleaning and parts inspection will alert you to potential signs of problems that can prevent full-scale machine damage.

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