Nowadays, Precision manufacturing is the most Important and required thing that every CNC Machine Manufacturer wants. CNC Manufacturing is now becoming the most preferred manufacturing style due to its ability to hold tight tolerances and provide speed and accuracy.
There are multiple types of CNC Machines, but we need to know about the Important 6 types that perform almost 80% of the tasks.
Before diving into types of CNC Machines, let’s first understand what CNC Machining is.
What is a CNC Machine?
CNC is also called Computer Numerical Control, is a manufacturing method that uses pre-programmed software to automate the process of manufacturing using control, movement, and precision of machining tools.
CNC is used in manufacturing methods to provide different shapes to metal and plastic objects. CNC machines use pre-programmed computer codes to control tools like drills, lathes, and mills.
In this comprehensive article on “Types of CNC Machines”, we will explore what are the most common and important types of CNC machines, their working principles, their uses, and other essential aspects.
Use of CNC Machining
Here, we’ll discover the use of CNC Machines and what they do.
- Automate Machining
CNC Machines automate the manufacturing process by using tools and pre-programmed mechanisms to give materials the desired shapes and obtain high-precision outputs.
- Use of Computer code
To manufacture the machines, CNC uses Computer codes, also known as G-codes, to provide precise instructions to the machine to move and operate accordingly.
- Precise and repeatable
CNC Machines are high-precision machines that are used to manufacture complex shapes and their parts, having high reliability.
- Various Applications
CNC Machines are used to manufacture parts and machines in various sectors, including automotive, aerospace, and electronics.
Benefits of CNC Machines
There are several advantages of using CNC machines, as mentioned below:
- Precision: CNC Machines are made to handle parts with tight tolerances, making them best for industries requiring high-precision manufacturing/ production.
- Efficiency: CNC machines are efficient in running at high speeds to enhance the production process by reducing downtime.
- Flexibility: CNC Machines are specially programmed to perform multiple tasks on a single machine, from drilling, cutting, milling, etc, on different materials.
- Cost-Effectiveness: CNC Machines are a bit costly, but can reduce the wastage of materials with advanced software and low labor costs, as CNC machines run on 90% automation, leading to long-term savings of money and time.
- Consistency: The CNC machine’s automation process ensures to production of quality products, ensuring zero error in production.
How to Choose CNC Machines for Small Businesses?
Small business owners who want to invest their money in CNC Machines have to understand their requirements first before making any purchase decision.
CNC Machines have some advantages, like Precision, Automation, and Efficiency, but they have some disadvantages as well, such as high cost, need more space (land), etc.
There are plenty of Compact and versatile models in CNC machines with all the qualities that can help Small Business owners to streamline the production of products with precision and low downtime.
CNC Machines Manufacturer in India provides a range of affordable and reliable options for Small Businesses who want to invest money in CNC machining.
CNC Machines Price in India
Prices of CNC Machines vary based on the size of the machines, the production requirements of the machines, the capabilities, etc.
Entry-level machines with a small size can start from a few lakhs, but the machines with large run time, big in size, and high production capabilities can be costly.
However, investing money in CNC machines can pay you back with their capabilities, low downtime, and high production time.
Maintenance of CNC Machines
Regular maintenance of CNC machines is required for the longevity and performance of CNC machines.
Maintenance, including lubrication, cleaning, and machine checks of the machine’s components.
Proper on-time maintenance of your machines ensures that to reduce downtime and minimize the risk of breakdown.
How did CNC Machines work?
- CAD Design.
The very first thing is that, Design Engineer has to create a machine’s 2D or 3D CAD design on CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software.
- Pre-programming or G-code programming
The CAD design will now be translated into programming codes, also known as G-codes. These codes instruct the machines about “What to Perform” and how to perform.
- Machine Execution
In this step, machines follow the instructions of G-codes to remove the unwanted material from a workpiece to create the desired shape of the machine.
6 Types of CNC Machines
Below are the 6 Important and most common types of CNC machines that you should know.
- CNC Milling Machines
- CNC Lathe Machines
- CNC Grinding Machines
- CNC Laser Cutting Machines
- CNC Electric Discharge Machine
- 5-axis CNC Machines
Here’s an explanation:
- CNC Milling Machines
Milling is a process of cutting and removing unwanted materials from the workpiece to get the desired shape of the material. The cutter tool on milling machines is a typical cutting tool with multiple cutting points.
Milling cutters in milling machine spindles rotate around a vertical or horizontal axis as per requirement to produce the desired profile on the workpiece.
- CNC Lathe Machines
The CNC lathe machine performs fast and accurate operations. In a CNC lathe machine, the workpiece rotates around its axis of rotation to perform various operations, such as cutting, step turning, threading, drilling, facing, and turning with stationary tools.
- CNC Grinding Machines
CNC Grinding Machines are typically used to give finishing to the components. Grinding Machines are also called fine machines.
Grinding Machines can remove unwanted materials from the surface of the product, usually 0.25-0.50mm range in most operations using a grinding wheel.
Grinding wheels are highly useful in removing extra unwanted materials, such as metal, for different purposes, such as accuracy and fine shape.
CNC grinding machines can remove the unwanted material precisely and give a detailed finish to the product by programming by rotation of the grinding wheel.
- CNC Laser Cutting Machines
The CNC Laser Cutting machines are specially designed for cutting hard materials effortlessly instead of using a plasma torch. CNC Laser Cutting offers high accuracy in cutting, but on the other hand, they are not as productive as plasma torches.
- CNC Electric Discharge Machine
A CNC Electric Discharge Machine is also called a Spark CNC Machine. These machines use electric sparks to shape materials. In these machines, Electrical discharge has to transient effect, which means that it can degrade the elements it is presented with.
- 5-axis CNC Machines
As the machine’s name indicates, this CNC machine has a total of five axes. Primarily, three axes (X, Y, and Z). Any major tool-cutting operations can be done in the three directions. However, two additional axes (A and B) were added for additional work, which makes the machine a five-axis CNC machine.
Who is the Best CNC Machines Manufacturer in India?
Several companies are considered leading CNC machine manufacturers in India. But Chimru CNC India Pvt Ltd is a prominent name among all other companies. Chimru CNC India Pvt Ltd offers a wide range of CNC machines, including vertical machining centers, horizontal machining centers, turning centers, and multi-tasking special-purpose machines.
