Today, a wide range of machining equipment can be controlled by CNC variants. These machines can be automated to a degree requiring minimal human supervision or intervention in their operations. In fact, some automated systems can provide special alerts to notify technicians if an operating error occurs. CNC tools can lower production costs because of increased efficiency.
Types of Conventional Tools with CNC Variants
From standard drills and lathes to newer equipment like plasma and water-jet cutters, a wide array of machines and machining tools are now available with computer numerical controls. The following represents a list of conventional tools that take can be calibrated with CNC programming.
Drills
A drill press is one of the more common pieces of automatable equipment found in machining shops. It features a chuck, which holds the drill bit, and a motor that spins the bit at an extremely high revolution. The bit has two twisting channels that run up its shaft to remove the debris, or “swarf,” cut from the workpiece and allow it to drill further into the hole.
Lathes
Modern automated lathes apply quick, precise cuts to shape material. A lathe that features CNC variants is capable of automatically spinning the block of material as the cutting tools perform their job according to preprogrammed specifications from the CAD/CAM software.
EDMs
Electrical discharge machines, or EDMs, shape electrically conductive metals that are too difficult to cut with alternative methods. A computer controls the number of electric arc discharges the EDM uses to make the required cuts. Two types are commonly used in machining: wire and sinker EDMs.
Milling Machines
Milling machines employ a stationary or rotating blade that makes precision cuts as the material is guided on a moveable table. A CNC milling machine is capable of performing a number of different operations, including cutting, drilling, rebating, routing, and other machining jobs.
Cutting Machines
CNC variants are used in a wide range of cutting machines. Laser, plasma, water-jet, hot-wire foam, and oxy-fuel cutting are all usually performed under computer numerical controlled software. These applications often require the high degree of precision that CNC can provide.
Additional Tools with CNC Variants
In addition to full-range machining equipment, computer numerical controls can also be applied to other conventional tools. These include surface and cylindrical grinders, angle heads, wood routers and machines designed exclusively for working sheet metal, such as torret punches.
