CNC machining is a computerized manufacturing method that uses programming software to instruct the machine tools on how to facilitate the subtraction process. Materials are removed from part of an object until it forms the desired shape. Many CNC machining companies have emerged in recent years that offer this technology to improve the manufacturing sector and make product development easy. A single CNC manufacturing company can offer all or a few CNC services to its clients for manufacturing purposes, depending on their demand. CNC machining services involve processes where CNC machining technology plus the parts are used. We expound on CNC machining services below.
Types of CNC Machining Services
Several services are available to customers for use in their applications. However, we focus on the three main types: CNC milling, drilling, and lathing.
1. CNC Milling
It is among the most popular kinds of CNC services. CNC milling is a high-tolerance and accurate process that develops intricate designs using a single milling center. When the device and the workpiece come into contact, a rotating mechanism cuts the material severally, removing chips until it forms the desired product.
It exists in various forms, such as face milling and peripheral milling. Face milling is ideal for cutting flat and shallow material surfaces, while peripheral milling is used for cutting deep workpiece cavities. In addition, the CNC milling service is fit for functions like chamfering, slotting, and threading which use materials like aluminum, steel, brass, and some plastics.
2. CNC Drilling
Like CNC milling, CNC drilling is common in most industries for creating holes on workpieces. The holes are usually cylindrical, constructed using a multi-point drill bit tool. On the workpiece, the holes are positioned angularly or perpendicularly depending on what outcome the manufacturer needs. Creating perpendicular holes is a simple process that involves putting the rotating drill within the object, and a hole is formed. Angular drilling is a complex procedure that needs specific machine configurations as well as a clamping gadget. Additional applications for CNC drilling include tapping, reaming, and countersinking.
3. CNC Turning
This service is also called CNC lathing. It is used to manufacture cylinder-shaped parts like shafts and bushings or any other metals or plastics with circular holes, slots, and flat grooves. It also removes material around a workpiece’s circumference or diameter gradually.
A spindle within the CNC lathe holds the object to be worked on and spins at high speed, allowing a cutting tool to cut its material away. This CNC service is accomplished using a sliding or fixed machine head.
Both types are great, but the sliding head is more efficient, affordable, and takes a shorter time to manufacture the parts. CNC turning is useful in processes like facing, thread cutting, grooving, and boring.
Final Word
CNC machining technology is mainly applied in the services discussed above. However, several other operations use the technology for the manufacturing of parts. Few factors influence the kind of CNC machining service you choose, such as the CAD file and the design you want. Each type removes material from a workpiece but how they operate differs. Know what works best for you before choosing a service.
