Since CNC was first invented, there have been many remarkable changes within the CNC industry, and there are advances in technology every day. Below is a look at different types of CNC machinery that are in use today by companies such as www.cam-machine.com, and what their role is within the industry. There are two main different types of machinery used in CNC; those that are retrofitted and those that are custom built for CNC.
Retrofitted CNC Machines
Of the two main types of CNC machinery, retrofitted machine are those such as milling machines that are retrofitted with CNC technology. The process involves removing all mechanisms from the machinery that would allow for human operation. Removal of hand wheels and Digital Read Out are two of the main processes involved. Machines will also have lead screw replaced with high accuracy screw, allowing for heightened accuracy of the machines. CNC lathes are also retrofitted in the same way that CNC milling machines are, allowing them to work with CNC technology.
Custom Built CNC Machines
The second of the types of CNC machine that we see in CNC shops are those that are custom made, with CNC routers. These are operated entirely by computer, and the only human input will be made by the person controlling the computer. CNC routers can be designed to cut wood, sheet metals, and plastics, and they are generally set up 3 axes. However, you can find modern CNC routers that can work with up to 6 axes, and these are used in CNC to make complex prototype models.
Milling machines are also custom built for CNC purposes, and these are often built on an extremely large scale and include auto-feed mechanisms and built in tool changers. CNC plasma cutters are also custom built CNC machines, and these are similar to CNC routers. However, the power source necessary for a CNC plasma cutter is not as great as for a router as a plasma torch flies above the table as opposed to be dragged around by a tool. A plasma cutter is used for 2 dimensional cutting of sheet metals.
Other types of CNC machines that are commonly found in CNC workshops are laser cutters, pick and place machines, and 3D printers. Laser cutters are very similar in principle to plasma cutters, the difference being that instead of using a plasma torch they use a laser. The laser is a perfect tool for cutting wood, plastic, and metal with a less destructive force than a plasma cutter.
This is just a brief look at some of the different types of machinery used in CNC, and how they are used today. The CNC industry is forever growing, and machines that were used only a few decades ago now look obsolete and tired when compared with the technology of today. With such a wide variety of machines that are now available and that can produce such precision parts so quickly, the face of the factory floor has changed forever in comparison to what it was just some decades ago.
No comments yet.