Think about the components that make up a standard vehicle. From the tailgate plate on a pickup down to the smallest parts of something like the alternator in the engine, these parts are intricately crafted to the millimeter. They are also mass produced in the thousands. When mass producing metal components it is critical that they are made with precision, and that often means using CNC Machining Technology.
CNC Machining Technology is not just one process, but many. The CNC stands for “Computer Numerical Control”, which is a process that uses pre-programmed computer software to dictate the movement of factory tools and machinery. This technology provides a level of efficiency, accuracy and consistency that would be impossible to achieve through a manual process. With manual controls, live operators are needed to prompt and guide the commands of machining tools via levers, buttons and wheels. To the onlooker, a CNC system might resemble a regular set of computer components, but the software programs and consoles employed in CNC machining distinguish it from all other forms of computation. The software handles all of the movements of the tool cerating a very precise process.
With CNC machining technology manufacturers can produce parts in less time, with less waste, and with less risk for human error. This helps to keep costs low for our customers.
Common Forms of CNC Machining Technology
According to the Universal Technical Institute, a leader in training operators of CNC machines, there are six major types of CNC Machines:
Milling Machines – This is the most common type of CNC Machine. This rotates material on a spindle to provide accurate cuts. Some of the functions it performs are face milling, shoulder milling, tapping, drilling, and turning. Most CNC mills come in three to six-axis configurations.
Lathes – Thees machines generally work in one axis and cuts work pieces as they are rotated. Think of how a baseball bat is made by spinning a blank of wood on a vertical axis and trimming away the outer layers. A CNC lathe works in the same way with metal as the lathes in the Louisville Slugger factory.
Routers – Routers can be used on multiple types of materials such as wood, plastic, aluminum, and even high-density foam. They are used to trim and shape edges of materials and create decorative patterns. They can work on a material in all three dimensions and are often used to create prototype models.
Plasma Cutters – In our last blog we discussed plasma cutters in depth, but they too can operate with a CNC component. They are used to cut heavier metals such as steel. In terms of shape and size, they are very similar to CNC routers. Both only work with two-dimensional shapes.
Electric Discharge Machines – These machines create a specific shape within a certain material by using electrical discharges or sparks. The material is removed by a series of recurring electrical discharges.
Laser Cutters – Laser cutters are very similar to plasma cutters. The biggest difference is that the intensity of the laser can be adjusted for the density of the material. They are great for cutting metals, plastics, or hardwoods.
At IMH Products our trained technicians operator dozens of CNC machines to produce high quality parts quickly and efficiently. We employ the latest technology to deliver the quality that our customers demand. For more on how we can serve your needs contact us at sales@imh.com.