A machine tool that shapes metal and other types of solid materials is called a milling machine. A CNC milling machine does this automatically once a computer sets up the specifications for the machine, it uses a rotating cutter to work like a drill to cut the material.
There is a difference between a drill and a milling machine however. A milling machine will use a cutter that rotates around a spindle axis and the table by which the piece of work is attached. A drill only moves along an axis and can only drill in one direction. A milling machine can move sideways and in and out like a drill.
The CNC milling machine can be controlled evenly by what is put into the computer. Some milling machines work in a way that the table is moved while the cutter stays in one place and rotates. The thing that really make mechanical milling machines different than CNC Milling machines is that CNC Milling Machines are operated digitally.
A CNC Milling machine makes the operator's work easier because it can do a number of operations like panning, rebating, drilling, routing and more. Often a cutting fluid has to be used at the site of the cut because it needs to keep the metal cool and the cut lubricated; also it is used to move the sluice out of the way.
In CNC Milling you will have a block of material that will be cut through by a rotating tool attached to the machine. You can actually move the piece in three dimensions all together so that you get the cut and shape that you want.
An operator can produce many different shapes with a CNC milling machine. For instance, if you have a 2D shape with an intricate pattern you can program the machine to do this pattern and repeat it as needed. The machine will also do 3D shapes, do different types of punches and even use a laser (usually a CNC Plasma Cutter).
Most metals and hard plastics are the best materials to use with a CNC milling machine because they can withstand the rigors of how the machine cuts. The pressure of the process doesn't seem to be very good for softer materials as they can't stand up to the pressure.
The CNC Mill machine is best used when you need a short run of materials to be produced. This process also needs only a software program to do the tooling and some type of jig to hold the work down while it is being cut. The machine is programmed using G-Codes for more precision.
There are a variety of things that CNC Milling Machines need to do today and are built so they can do a lot of things. As an example, Datron Dynamics sells a CNC milling machine that does all of the milling needs but also does industrial engraving. This machine can engrave on most metals including
Aluminum, graphite and stainless steel, but it can also engrave on ceramics and plastics.
The CNC Milling machine is a versatile machine and it can create many different parts while saving the company and the operator time and money.
CNC Information is a new community website all about CNC and DIY CNC. Come by CNC Information today and join the site for free and you get a free Basics CNC EBook just for signing up! Come by CNC Informatoin Today for your free Ebook on CNC Basics.
No comments:
Post a Comment