Machining
CNC Machining at MACA Supply Company
Computer numerical control machining, abbreviated as CNC Machining, is a metal fabrication process in which the code encrypted on the material controls the entire manufacturing process. The code has control over the cutting head movement and spindle speed, RPMs, etc. Metal CNC machines often use a subtractive fabrication method opposite to additive manufacturing, e.g., 3D printing.
At Maca Supply, as one of the largest industrial machine shop in Springville, we provide CNC Machining services to clients across the globe. We have various heavily built CNC machining pieces of equipment like a Large Horizontal CNC Milling Machine, 72” CNC Lathe for diverse metal hardness machining every metal casting service we offer at our foundry.
History of CNC Machines
CNC machines came into existence in the 1940s. The machines are based on the moving motors, which run with the informational digital inputs provided via punched tapes where code was manually punched into data cards.
When the first-ever CNC machine was introduced in the 1950s, MIT’s were ready to produce the punched tape as per the inputs. These machines' advent reduced the time spent producing the card from 8 hours to 15 minutes in a milling job. Due to the larger efficiency, these machines became the replacement of the NC machines. Today, there are a number of CNC machined parts with a variety of use cases.
How do the CNC Machines Work?
In most cases, CNC machines are automated once the input digital files with the instructions of trajectories and cutting are fed into the machines, the CNC machines. As one of the largest machining service providers, we have highly skilled machinists capable of building digital tool libraries that interface with the physical machine. Whenever there is a change in the machinery inserted, the CNC machines can switch to the functions based on the digital instructions.
Below is a detailed sequel of steps that describes the functioning of CNC machines we follow at our CNC shop
The process begins with designing the parts of the final product in CAD software. The software creates the 3D model that reciprocates the final part's appropriate dimensions and properties.
Some of these programs come in CAD-CAM packages so that the flow can continue in the same programs. Otherwise, CAD models are fed into the designated CAM software. If both CAD and CAM are from the same product family, no translation of files is necessary. Otherwise, the CAD files need to be imported.
1. All the machinists at our CNC machine shops are highly skilled and can build digital tool libraries that can interface with any physical machine.
2. Once the CAD files are imported to CAM software, it prepares the entire fabrication process's necessary model. After rectifying the errors, the corresponding CNC program for the fabrication of physical parts is developed.
3. The program is nothing but a set of coordinates that guides the cutting head during the manufacturing process.
4. As soon as the CNC program is ready, the third step is to choose the machining parameters like cutting speed, voltage, RPMs, etc..
5. After describing the parameters, the software determines the nesting of CNC machine tools. Nesting is nothing but the orientation and placement of CNC turning following the raw material used.
6. At last, the information is translated into codes that the machinery can understand – M-code and G-code.
Few Automated Custom CNC Machining Processes of our CNC Shop
MILLING
Milling is a process in which a cutting tool rotates and comes into contact with the workpiece to remove chips from it. Milling is one of the most common CNC Machining methods used to manufacture many complex parts in machining companies.
TURNING
GRINDING
CNC grinding is a process in which a rotating grinding wheel removes the material from the metal. With the help of Grinding, a high precision finish to a metal part is achieved.
The achievable surface quality is very high. Therefore, it is used as a finishing operation rather than creating the final piece from raw materials.
ROUTING
Routing is similar to the milling process of CNC Machines. CNC routers also use the rotating piece as the cutting head. The main difference lies in the materials suitable for cutting.
Routers are a perfect fit for cutting softer materials (not metals) that do not require very high accuracy. The reason for that is its lesser output power.
At the same time, routers are quicker. Therefore, they can produce the parts in less time.
DRILLING
Milling is a process in which a cutting tool rotates and comes into contact with the workpiece to remove chips from it. Milling is one of the most common CNC Machining methods used to manufacture many complex parts in machining companies.
We take pride in announcing that our company MACA Supply has one of the largest CNC machine shops with various high-quality CNC machines like large horizontal CNC milling machines, 72” CNC Lathe.
Contact us for any queries regarding the CNC machining services of different metals like Hi Chrome, Gray Iron, Ductile Iron, Steel, and Stainless Steel.