A Brief Guide To CNC Machine Basics

CNC machines are used all over the world to make parts for almost every industry. They make parts from plastics, metals, aluminum, wood and many other hard materials. The word "CNC" stands for Computer Numerical Control, but today everyone calls it CNC.Today, CNC makes parts for almost every industry. Because of CNC machines, we work more efficiently, our products have a higher quality, and we are able to create more novelty products. In this article, we will tell you about the basics of CNC machines so you can learn more about them.

1. What is a CNC machine?

2. CNC machine tools are how to work?

3. What are the most common types of CNC machine tools?

1. What is a CNC machine?

How do you define a CNC machine? All automatic motion control machine tools have three main components - the command function, the drive/motion system and the feedback system. CNC machining is the process of machining solid materials into differently shaped parts using computer-driven machine tools. CNC machines rely on digital instructions that are typically generated on computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) or computer-aided design (CAD) software. The software writes G-codes that can be read by a controller on the CNC machine. A computer program on the controller interprets the design and moves the cutting tool and/or workpiece in multiple axes to cut the desired shape from the workpiece. The automated cutting process is faster and more accurate than manually moving tools and workpieces using levers and gears on older machines. Modern CNC machines can accommodate a wide range of tools for a wide range of cuts. The number of planes of motion (axes) that can be used automatically by the machine tool during the machining process, as well as the number and type of tools, determines the complexity of the workpieces that can be machined on a CNC machine. The mechanical parts of a CNC machine tool include the bed, box, column, guideway, table, spindle, feed mechanism, and tool changer.

2. CNC machine tools are how to work?

CNC machine tools use computers to implement digital program control technology. This technology utilizes the computer to perform the time sequence logic control function of the movement trajectory of the equipment and the operation of the peripheral equipment according to the pre-stored control program. Since a computer is used instead of the original numerical control device consisting of hardware logic circuits, control functions such as storage, processing, calculation, and logical judgment of input operating instructions can be realized through computer software, and micro instructions can be generated. Processing can be transmitted. A motor or hydraulic actuator is driven to a servo drive unit to drive the CNC machine tool. To run the CNC machine, you can perform the following steps:

Step 1: According to the drawing of the machined part and the process plan, use the prescribed code and program format to write the tool trajectory, machining process, process parameters, cutting amount, etc., into a commandable form to be recognized by the CNC system, i.e., to write the machining program.

Step 2: Input the machining program into the numerical control device.

Step 3: The numerical control device decodes and processes the input program (code) and sends the corresponding control signals to the servo drive device and auxiliary function control device of each axis to control the movement of each part of the machine tool.

Step 4：During the movement, the CNC system needs to detect the position of the coordinate axes of the CNC machine tool, the status of the travel switches, etc. at any time, and compare them with the requirements of the program in order to determine the next action Until the qualified parts are processed.

Step 5：The operator can observe and check the processing situation and working status of the CNC machine tool at any time. If necessary, it is necessary to adjust the CNC machine action and processing program to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the machine tool.

3. What are the most common types of CNC machine tools?

Early machine tools were designed so that the operator stood in front of the machine to operate the controls. This design is no longer necessary today because in a CNC machine tool, the operator no longer controls the movement of the machine. On conventional machines, only about 20% of the time is spent removing material. With the addition of electronic controls, the actual time spent removing metal has increased to 80% or more. In addition, the time required to feed the cutting tool into each machining position is reduced. Below are 10 of the most common CNC machines that are found in a variety of industries and are used in a wide range of applications.

(1) CNC Milling Machines (CNC Mills)

(2) CNC Router Machines (CNC Routers)

(3) CNC Laser Machines (Laser Cutters, Laser Engravers, Laser Welders)

(4) CNC Lathe Machines (CNC Lathes)

(5) CNC Drilling Machines (CNC Drills)

(6) CNC boring machine

(7) CNC Grinding Machines (CNC Grinders)

(8) Electrical Discharge Machines (EDM)

(9) CNC Plasma Cutting Machines (CNC Plasma Cutters)

(10) 3D Printers

Shandong U-May Cnc Technology Co., Ltd. has its own factory with professional engineers and customer service personnel who can manufacture professional high-quality machines for customers. We can provide a complete range of CNC machine tools. We provide CNC router machines, CNC wood router machines, ATC CNC router machine tools, oscillating knife cnc cutting machines, laser cutting machines, plasma cutting machines and other CNC machines. If you need a customized machine, you are welcome to contact us at any time to ask for a machine quotation.