CNC machining popular all over the world? How is it different from 3D printing? Airplanes, space rockets, cars, chairs, ships are all created by CNC manufacturing technology.
CNC machining is loved by engineers all over the world because it is currently one of the most accurate manufacturing technologies. CNC machining or computer numerical control machining is a digital manufacturing technology that provides high-precision parts directly from CAD files. CNC machine tools can have different numbers of axis rotating tools, usually three or five axes. The basic CNC work procedure is divided into three steps:
is the CAD model designed by the engineer first, and then the machinist will use the G-code CNC program of the CAD file. The machinist will design the CNC machine tool and all the processing operations, including tool change, cutting operation to manufacture parts, and cooling of parts and tools. During the manufacturing process, CNC processing tools, such as milling machines, lathes, grinders, etc. All are controlled by computer automation, so there is no need for manual supervision, and in the manufacturing process, due to the high degree of automation. CNC machining is very price competitive for one-time custom parts and mass production. CNC machining is a subtractive manufacturing technology, which is fundamentally different from technologies such as 3D printing and injection molding, because parts are manufactured from solid materials to reduce materials. The materials are fast and will be used for blanks or workpieces. Cutting materials on the tool is done through various automated cutting.
, why is CNC machining different from 3D printing and injection molding? 3D printing is an additive technology, while injection molding is a molding manufacturing technology, which means that materials will be added together to manufacture parts during the manufacturing process. Contrary to the reduction of materials by CNC machining, almost any kind of hard materials used in CNC machining can be CNC machined, the most common materials are aluminum, brass, ABS and nylon. The most powerful part of CNC machining is its ability to create custom parts with very tight tolerances. As one of the most accurate manufacturing techniques, the common tolerance for machining metal or plastic is about plus or minus 0.125mm, and tight tolerance features as low as 0.05mm can be manufactured, or even lower, which is about the 1/4 width of a human hair.
