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What Tools are Used with a CNC Machine?Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine tools are computer controlled pieces of equipment with a number of material forming applications. Each machine follows certain protocols designated by its CNC software.  Drills CNC machine drills follow specific instructions in the manufacturing of a part. A software platform can control the position of the cut, as well as the depth of the hole being drilled. Computer control is used when the work piece requires repeated drilling or tapping cycles. Certain parameters, such as depth, feed rate, retraction and cancellation of the cycle control the drilling sequence. Lathes A lathe is a machine that spins a part in place while a cutting blade removes excess material to prepare it for deformation . Lathes can be used for cutting, sanding, drilling, knurling, or deforming. Cutting fluid may be used to remove the swarf (debris), and to serve as a lubricant or coolant during the cutting process. CNC lathes are often used in the production of camshafts and crankshafts. Electrical Discharge Machining Machines (EDMs) Electrical discharge machining is a technique for making minute, complex cuts or contours in hardened materials that would otherwise be difficult to shape. EDM is only effective on electrical conductors, and is used mainly on ferrous alloys. EDM machines fire a series of rapid electrical bursts from an electrode to melt or vaporize material. The remaining debris is flushed away with dielectric fluid.
Milling Machines Milling machines are used to make complex shapes out of metals and other solids. A work piece is fixed to a moveable table that guides the material around a stationary rotating cutter, or, inversely, a moving cutter operates across a stationary table.Some of them also feature a spindle that can be moved along its Z-axis, thus offering a more adjustable cutting method. Milling machines are commonly used for planing, drilling, rebating, routing, and slot cutting. In addition, machines equipped with the Z-axis spindle can be used to create advanced three dimensional objects, such as relief sculptures. Milling machines can also be used for die-sinking and engraving projects.  Plasma Cutting Machines CNC plasma cutters use a plasma torch to cut material under the direction of a software program. A computerized torch head slices a work piece along the axes of a CNC table, often preparing welding seams for the manufacture of multi-part components. Plasma cutting can usually handle thick material, and the process is frequently used in the production of ducts and vents.  Water Jet Cutter Machines Water jet cutting simulates erosion by using a stream of high-pressurized water (sometimes in combination with an abrasive , such as grit or aluminum oxide) to cut through material. The process reduces the risk of heat-damaging the work piece, and though it can be applied to a wide range of materials, some substances are impervious to it. As in other CNC systems, the table or the jet mechanism are under computer control. Laser Cutting Machines Laser cutters use a high-powered laser to shape work pieces. Since the excess material usually melts, vaporizes, or is blown away from the cut, the process can yield clean, high quality finishes. CNC lasers can provide improved accuracy due to the precision of computer controlled cutting.
Oxy-Fuel Cutting Machines Oxy-fuel cutters use a torch to heat ferrous metals to their kindling point and apply a pressurized stream of pure oxygen to cause a chemical reaction in which slag is channeled away from the cut. These cutters are powered with gases, such as acetylene, and a CNC program guides both the torch and the oxygen release rate.  The Programming and Processes of CNC MachiningMany CNC machines employ a numerical control programming language that uses preparatory codes, or “G-Codes,” to coordinate the tool and initiate its work orders. Three dimensional models generated in computer aided design (CAD) programs are converted into CNC code through computer aided manufacturing (CAM) software before work can begin. There are roughly four stages in the CNC manufacturing process: roughing, semi-finishing, finishing, and contour milling. Here is a brief outline of each step:
As CNC software and computer hardware becomes more cost-efficient, it may be useful for manufacturers to consider including computer-controlled tools in their shops. The relative precision, uniformity of products, and standardization of methods that CNC tools provide can make them a valuable addition to a range machining projects. Other Custom Manufacturing & Fabricating Guides
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