What is CNC machining?
CNC machining is a process that starts with a block of material that is clamped onto the table of the machine. A rotating cutter is then lowered into the material and removed, resulting in a finished part. Milling machines can be purchased with either manual or automatic controls.
There are many different types of CNC machines on the market today. If you are in the market for a new machine, it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. In this blog post, we will discuss 10 common types of CNC machines and explain what each one does. By understanding the different types of machines available, you can make an informed decision about which one is best for your business!
There’s a machine for every type!
Types of CNC machines include:
- Milling Machines
- CNC Routers
- CNC Plasma Cutters
- CNC Laser Engravers
- CNC Waterjet Cutters
- EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) Machines
- CNC Lathe Machines
- CNC Grinder
- CNC machine with automatic tool changes
- CNC 5- axis machine
Now, we will discuss the types of machines one by one:
Milling Machines:
Milling machines are used to create three-dimensional parts from metal or plastic. The milling process starts with a block of material that is clamped onto the table of the machine. A rotating cutter is then lowered into the material and removed, resulting in a finished part. Milling machines can be purchased with either manual or automatic controls.
CNC Routers:
CNC routers are used to create two-dimensional parts from wood, plastic, and other materials. The router process begins by creating a template of the desired part shape. This template is then glued to the workpiece and carved out using a rotating cutting tool. CNC routers can be purchased with either manual or automatic controls.
CNC Plasma Cutters:
CNC plasma cutters are used to create two-dimensional parts from metal. The process begins by creating a template of the desired part shape. This template is then clamped onto the workpiece and cut out using a stream of plasma. CNC plasma cutters can be purchased with either manual or automatic controls.
CNC Laser Engravers:
CNC laser engravers are used to create two-dimensional parts from wood, plastic, and other materials. The process begins by creating a template of the desired part shape. This template is then glued to the workpiece and engraved using a laser beam. CNC laser engravers can be purchased with either manual or automatic controls.
CNC Waterjet Cutters:
CNC waterjet cutters are used to create two-dimensional parts from metal and other materials. The process begins by creating a template of the desired part shape. This template is then glued to the workpiece and cut out using a stream of high-pressure water. CNC waterjet cutters can be purchased with either manual or automatic controls.
EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) Machines:
EDM machines are used to create three-dimensional parts from metal. The EDM process starts by creating a negative mold of the desired part shape. This mold is then filled with an electrically conductive material and subjected to an electrical current. This causes small sparks to fly between the mold and the material, resulting in a finished part. EDM machines can be purchased with either manual or automatic controls.
CNC Lathe Machines:
CNC lathe machines are used to create three-dimensional parts from metal. The lathe process begins by clamping a cylindrical workpiece onto the machine’s table. A rotating cutter is then lowered into the workpiece and removed, resulting in a finished part. CNC lathe machines can be purchased with either manual or automatic controls.
CNC Grinder:
CNC grinders are used to create three-dimensional parts from metal and other materials. The grinding process starts by clamping a workpiece onto the machine’s table. A rotating cutter is then lowered into the workpiece and removed, resulting in a finished part. CNC grinders can be purchased with either manual or automatic controls.
CNC machine with automatic tool changes:
A CNC machine with an automatic tool changer is a machine that can automatically change the cutting tools that are mounted on its spindle. This type of machine is typically used to create three-dimensional parts from metal. CNC machines with automatic tool changes can be purchased with either manual or automatic controls.
CNC 5- axis machine:
A CNC machine with a five-axis configuration can move its cutting tool in five directions: up/down, left/right, forward/backward, and rotational. This type of machine is typically used to create three-dimensional parts from metal. CNC machines with five-axis configurations can be purchased with either manual or automatic controls.
Final Words:
To sum up, there are ten common types of CNC machines: routers, plasma cutters, laser engravers, waterjet cutters, EDM machines, lathe machines, grinders, and CNC machines with automatic tools changes. While each type of machine has its own unique capabilities, they all share one common goal: to create precision parts from metal or other materials. Thanks for reading.
If you need any help related to CNC machining, repair, or retrofitting then Capital Engineering solutions can provide you with complete solutions from installation to maintenance of any type of machine. Visit our website or contact us for more details.