In the very early days of metal machining, machinists typically completed both large and small projects manually. When the computer numerical control (CNC) technology was created, it quickly became very popular amongst machining experts, who saw the beneficial role it played with drilling, turning, milling, and other types of custom CNC machining procedures.
How Computer Numerical Control Technology Works
Surprisingly, the first computerized system for the purpose of machining was invented in the 1940s. CNC technology is extremely useful for machinists completing all kinds of projects involving solid metal materials.
Rather than machines that must be operated with the use of a supervisor (such as machines with hand levers and manually rotated wheels), now machines combine manual supervision and encoded commands on a computer. Today, computers play a very important role in the process of custom CNC machining, but machinists must still be familiar with the differences between the various types of machining, such as drilling and turning.
A Variety of Machining Procedures
CNC technology has made machining easier, faster, and more precise – and it is used in a very wide variety of procedures, including the following:
* Milling
* Turning
* Drilling
* Laser cutting
* Welding
* Ultrasonic welding
* Bending
* Spinning
* Hole-punching
* Routing
* Picking
* Placing
The computer’s encoded information can be recalled when a new project begins so that the spindle can move in a very specific way depending on what form of metal machining is being used. For example, if a project requires a very fast, precise cut using a drill, a CNC lathe can complete this process without much hassle due to the encoded information. Unlike in the past when machinists operated the spindles by hand, with CNC, there is no room for human error, and the project can be completed much more quickly.
Precision and Speed
One of the most significant improvements in machining technology in the past several decades, the invention and implantation of the CNC machine has made the machining industry much more sophisticated and capable of completing larger scale projects with more precision and speed. The machines also allow for a high level of customization.
If you require custom CNC machining services, review the services provided by a local machining company. They will be able to help you figure out what type of machining is necessary and offer you a quote.
