James FloresThe CNC machines – numerical control – offer a range of facilities for the work done in your industry. They are the evolution of NC machines (Command Number – in literal translation) because of the control through computer tools. Want to understand what they can do better than other machines for your industry? In this article, we explain that and more to you. Follow it and have a good read!
What Are CNC Machines?
In addition to the term Computer Numerical Control, CNC machines also receive the nomenclature of Computer Numerical Command about the computer codes they operate. This system is mainly used on lathes or machining centers, allowing for simultaneous control of the axes. This happens through the G code, specific for this type of equipment. Like every technological evolution throughout history, CNC has also served to modify operating methods in the industry. With this, jobs that were previously highly complex became more practical to be done.
How did CNC machines come about?
CNC machines emerged around 1949, with the prototypes being put into operation for testing at the Servomechanism Laboratory of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The practical demonstration of the first machine with the CNC system installed took place only three years later, in 1952. With all the results and notes, its final report would only come at the end of the following year.
Over the years, the technology in Automatic CNC machines (เครื่อง กลึง อัตโนมัติ which is the term in Thai) has undergone constant improvement. The development of increasingly modern software and controls makes them the best machines for industry.
What are the benefits of CNC machines?
Today, a multitude of machines and tools work with the CNC system. Among the main ones, we can mention CNC Milling Machine, CNC Lathes, CNC Tangential Flat Grinding Machine, CNC Boring Machine, and many others.
The investment to acquire a CNC machine is more significant than a conventional machine. Still, depending on your company’s needs, the advantages are huge; check out which CNC machines are better:
Time savings: machine set-up is faster, especially when the CNC program is optimized and the cutting tooling and fastening means are available.
Work Flexibility: as it has fast machine preparation, it is also viable for producing small and medium series. CNC machines are essential when operating in a just-in-time system.
Agility for Programming: CNC program changes are quick and practical. Workpiece dimensions and cutting parameters such as feeds and cutting speeds are quickly accomplished even during production. Set-ups can be saved without needing to be redone multiple times.
In-process corrections: Measurement corrections, due to wear on the cutting tools, are quickly made by introducing increments, leaving the parts within their desired tolerances.
Optimized Cutting: As the feeds of the tool carriers and the rotations of the main spindle and driven tools are programmable continuously and without steps, it is possible to work in their ideal conditions, depending on the material being machined, of the tolerances, and the degree of surface finish.
Reduced Maintenance: Less need for mechanical maintenance. As the drives are made through high-efficiency spindle-motors and servo-motors, the use of gearboxes, gear trains, clutches, and other mechanical elements of machines is dispensed with.
