There are no simple words to describe the utmost advantage and need of such high-quality precision machinery in today’s competitive landscape. Just like any other industry relies on its workforce to do wonders, such precision machine parts are like the backbone of CNC machining companies. Such machines create custom machined parts from raw materials, fabrications, or castings.
CNC machining, also known as computer numerical control machining, is an automated precision process that empowers the manufacturing sector with high accuracy and extreme precision. Since it involves computer software, CNC machining attains a degree of complexity and intricacy that the traditional precision machine technology couldn’t. More so, it is cost-effective since it produces complex parts. In CNC machining, the computer system controls the manufacturing process through machine tools. It manages numerous machine tools like routers, lathes, grinders, and mills.
What does the CNC machining process include?
A standard CNC machining protocol might include the following machine techniques:
- Milling: It involves a rotating cutting tool in contact with a stationary piece
- Turning: It means rotating the workpiece and establishing a connection with a cutting tool
- Drilling: This process creates a hole in the workpiece due to cutting toll rotation
- Boring: Removing the drilled hole from the piece to form a precise inner cavity
- Threading: This process is used for Making threads in the holes where Bolts are meant to be tightened.
- Grinding: This Process is used for ultra precision items where high degree of accuracy are needed. In this process the Grinding Wheel grinds the item for high surface finish.
All the mentioned steps cover advanced CNC machining.
The machines involved in CNC machining
CNC machining requires tremendous investment, and machine shops employ the best-in-class equipment and technologies to stay competitive in the market. CNC machines can indeed manufacture precision parts. However, when CNC machines shop wants, they can also make highly complex, ultra-precision parts. Such desires require advanced machinery, engineering, and proven operations to do the job consistently and efficiently.
That said, the type of CNC machines varies greatly. Most perform one or more services. Their typical range of motion includes 2, 3, 4, 3+2, 5 axes simultaneous movement.
There are vertical and horizontal milling machines, turning machines, vertical turning machines, mill-turning machines and Grinding machines.
Vertical and Horizontal CNC machines:
CNC machining consists of two spindle orientations. In vertical CNC machines, the spindle axis, called the z-axis, orients vertically. The spindle travels in a C-column configuration. Vertical machining is perfect for milled-from-one-side products like covers and brackets.
On the contrary, horizontal CNC machines involve horizontal z-axis, parallel to its length. The spindle rotates in the vertical y-axis and horizontally in the x-axis. Horizontal CNC machining accesses workpieces from four directions for better chip evacuation. It is primarily used for heavy pieces like pallet changers as they fit perfectly and are sturdy enough to hold.
What is CNC Retrofitting & Reconditioning? How does it help your equipment?
Instead of spending thousands of dollars on new machinery, you can consider CNC retrofitting and reconditioning, empowering machinery with accuracy at a fraction of cost. It is understandable for machines to undergo wear and tear due to age, accidents, and breakdown. With CNC retrofitting and reconditioning, you can restore a machine tool to factory condition.
So, if you’re experiencing too much downtime with a machine that is otherwise mechanically sound but has an obsolete control system, CNC retrofitting and reconditioning will do the trick for you. Don’t toss your old CNC machine and get a new one. Follow a cost-effective approach with retrofitting and computer numerical control (CNC). The process entails replacing CNC servo meters, drives, spindle systems, and associated wiring. It includes a thorough check of the machine, changing the worn-out parts, cleaning, re-erection, re-commissioning, recalibration, and machine painting.
CNC retrofitting and reconditioning costs somewhere between one-third and two-thirds of the cost of a new machine. More so, there are no hidden costs involved like equipment transportation, tooling, training, and start-up times.
As per research, CNC retrofitting and reconditioning offers several other advantages, other than being affordable.
- Machines experience a 20% better performance due to high-speed motors and machining technologies
- It reduces electricity usage by as much as 50%
- It increases plant capacity though the footprint of machine remains same the efficiency increases.
- It improves mean-time to repair and mean-time between failures. At present some CNC systems are boasting as good as 42 years as MTBF between their two machines.
- It results in better data accessibility and supports upgraded Ethernet communications
While the benefits of CNC retrofitting and reconditioning are appealing, there are a few considerations to keep in mind before committing to it. To enjoy some benefits of revived CNC machines, you need to upgrade the servo and spindle system into a high-speed digital interface. How fast the CNC can process the block part of the program data doesn’t matter if the spindle and servo cannot keep up.
CNC retrofitting and reconditioning is a cheaper way to keep working with your old company. It increases the machine life, betters machine value, and ensures better productivity.