Your Ultimate Guide To Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machining

Have you ever seen how some machinery is able to craft such intricate devices with excellent precision and found yourself wondering, “how does that work?” Well, the magic behind all of this fascinating machinery lies behind computer numerical control.
It’s a type of programmed software placed into factory machinery and other tools so that certain types of things can be made. If you’re interested in learning more about how computer numerical control works, keep reading for a brief guide.
What Exactly Is Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machinery?
Computer numerical control machinery is a type of process used in the manufacturing of equipment, goods, and other items. It relies on pre-programmed software that essentially controls how machinery works in order to produce the aforementioned equipment and goods.
CNC machinery is a set of software programmed into factory machines that tell them how to operate.
How Beneficial Is CNC?
Computer Numerical Control Machinery has changed the way factories work quite drastically. No longer are factories having to employ thousands of employees for hours on end to work meticulously just to craft one single item.
CNC machinery has pretty much made all of that automatic. This makes the biggest benefit of using CNC machinery that of time reduction. Projects that require intricate and precise movements (such as airplane parts) can now be made in a highly-structured, perfected process thanks to CNC machinery.
CNC also has some other benefits:
- Prevents mistakes in craft
- Reduces employee stress by making jobs easier
- Can be easily adjusted or replaced
CNC machinery can even save money. Not only does this work by reducing the number of employees that need to get paid, but the faster production and less mistakes plays into having a greater pool of funds as well.
What Industries Use CNC?
Many industries (both large and small) use CNC machinery to create their items and goods. One of these industries is airplanes parts, as mentioned above. Airplane parts are very meticulously built and need to be crafted very carefully, which CNC makes sure of.
Similarly, the automotive industry uses it as well for parts that need special attention. most of the time, car parts that are made with CNC machinery are custom-built ones.
Other industries that use CNC machinery include those that make consumer electronics, the oil & gas industry, the health care industry, and its even used to make musical instruments.
Different Types of CNC Machines
There are a few different types of CNC machines. Some of which are widely used, whereas others are only used in specific cases.
The most widespread CNC machine is a CNC mill. These are machines that run on varying lines of number and letter codes that tell the machine exactly how to move.
Lathes are the next type. They cut devices into specific shapes in a circular direction by using very precise tools. Lathes are great for products that require very precise engineering that can’t be found using a CNC machine.
The last one we’ll cover is an electric discharge machine (EDM). EDMs are the most unique out of all the ones listed here. They dissect workpieces down into specific products by shaving them with an electrical discharge.
Wondering about how much these different types of machines cost? Head on over to https://prototechasia.com/en/how-much-does-cnc-machining-cost for a closer look!
Dive Deeper Into The World of CNC Machinery
This short article covered only the basics of CNC machinery. There’s much more to know, in addition to there being dozens more types of CNC machines.
If you’re interested in learning more about computer numerical control machinery and other technologies, head on over to the ‘technology’ section of our blog.