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Computer Numerical Control Machines
Computer Numerical Control systems
are complex machines that transfer and store data regarding the
operation mechanism of the machines. Motion programs include
point to point control, straight cut control, and contouring
control.
CNC has different applications depending on the machines that
operate on it. So if you're a budding operator, you should know
the most common machines that can operate on CNC.
Milling
Milling machines are common CNC machines. These devices are used
in the shaping of metal and other solid materials. It is
basically a rotating cutter and a table. Milling machines are
capable of complex toolpaths as the cutter is not limited to a
sideways movement but allows for an “in and out” motion. This
movement is precisely controlled by moving the table and the
cutter relative to each other. Cutting fluid is then pumped in
to lubricate and cool the cut and to remove any swarth that is
generated by the cut.
Lathes
Lathes are machines that perform different operations such as
sanding, cutting, knurling, deformation, or even drilling. These
machines work by spinning various solid objects and then using
tools that are symmetric to the axis of rotation. A lathe
machine has a single tool in which the workpiece is worked
against the tool. The tool is then worked alongside or into the
workpiece in order to generate the feed.
Lathes can be used for different operations.
Machining Centers
These are more complex CNC machines that combine milling and
turning. As milling was described earlier, turning will be the
focus of this section.
Turning is the process by which a central lathe is used in
conjunction with the rotation of the material to be turned. The
cutting tool is then moved along the two axes of motions to
produce accurate dimensions.
Combining turning and milling can produce extremely precise
components. And that is what these machines are used for.
However, due to the complexity of these machines, operators have
to be specialists in order to be able to operate with maximum
efficiency.
Electrical discharge machine
An electrical discharge machine (EDM) creates cavities in metals
by emitting electric sparks. This process requires an electrode,
coolant, a power source, and a tank. The cycle is accomplished
by connecting the workpiece to one side of the power supply and
then placing it in the tank. An electrode (made in the shape of
the cavity required) is then connected to the other side of the
power supply.
The tanks is then filled with coolant and the electrode is
lowered until a spark jumps between the work and the electrode.
As the coolant is a dielectric substance (resists electric
currents), it requires a smaller difference in distance in order
for a spark to jump through. This means that when the spark
appears, the dielectric property has been overcome. The spark
then dislodges material thereby creating a cavity in the shape
of the electrode.
CNC systems
CNC systems are complex machines that transfer and store data
regarding the operation mechanism of the machines. Motion
programs include point to point control, straight cut control,
and contouring control.
Point to point control means the control of the tools from one
point to another in the coordinate plane. This method of control
is commonly used in drilling and boring operations.
Straight cut control is the method by which a tool is moved in
all axes of the machine. The tool also has the ability to move
in a 45 degree angle.
Contouring control is the means to create a toolpath. It moves
the tools by interpolating points or coordinates that make up
the path for the tool to follow.
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