Precision machining is an industrial manufacturing process that is performed in many industrial fields. The purpose of metal machining is manufacturing a wide variety of industrial components and products by cutting and shaping materials such as metal, stainless steel, ceramic, wood, glass and so on. Among the material-processing methods and techniques that are included in a typical precision machining manufacturing process are turning, milling, drilling and grinding. The conventional forms of machining include using machining tools and machines that are controlled by hand. However, practice has shown that this is an inefficient and time-consuming way of manufacturing products. For that reason, more and more companies are using CNC machines to make their production faster and easier.
CNC precision machining is a technological advancement that has revolutionized the industrial manufacturing process in general. CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control and refers to the automation of the machining process. These manufacturing processes are performed without or with a minimal human assistance. Not only that it drastically reduces the need for manpower, there are other huge benefits to the overall manufacturing process that CNC machining provides: high efficiency, time and cost savings, high level of accuracy, precision and product consistency are only a few to name.
The process of precision machining starts by creating the initial design of the product that includes the exact size, shape and other design specifications of the product, component or part that will be manufactured. This is done by using a special software and a computer aided design program that translates the design plan into a set of numerical values that the special CNC machines ‘understand’. By following the programmed set of instructions the machine positions the material-processing tools to cut the material and shape it into the previously determined size and shape specifications.
The focal point in the precision engineering process is the table on which are the sheets of material. There are two axes of movement where the product that is being manufactured is positioned. The tool that is used for cutting the material is the third axis. The machines that are used for processing the materials during the CNC precision machining are milling machines, latches and grinders. Different machines operate with a different method.
- Milling machines automatically cut the material by using a special part called cutting spindle. Directed by a computer, the cutting spindle moves to different positions and depths and performs high-precision cuts.
- Latches are type of machines that shape the material by spinning. They are used for making parts and products that have round or cylindrical shape.
- Grinders, as their name implies grind the material. This is done with the help of a spinning wheel. Grinders are usually used for applications for which materials such as plastic and metal are used and for applications that do not require a high level of precision.
- Routers are used for making cuts and holes in metal and plastic parts.
