CNC machining is a common process, and this manufacturing method can be used to create items of different sizes. There are many reasons why people choose to use CNC industrial machining, such as reducing costs and improving the quality of parts. Because of this, the number of products manufactured using this process can vary.
For your convenience, this post will introduce you to how CNC production machining works in a special way. CNC production is usually a delicate process, which is why it is important to present it in a unique way. Therefore, this article will go into more detail about the different terms and machining processes. It will also teach you what you need to know before you hire someone to do the machining.
Table of Contents
Why Use CNC for Production Machining?
CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining is a subtractive manufacturing process that uses computerized machine tools to create custom-designed parts. The computer instructs the machine to etch (reduce) the material using a programming code. This process continues until the material conforms to the design input.
The different steps in using a CNC machine are understanding what it is all about. It doesn’t matter if you own the machine or hire someone to do the work. If you understand the steps of both methods, you can make a difference in this field.
CNC production machining is usually done in two ways. Small-batch CNC machining and large-batch CNC machining fall into both categories. You should have already guessed what these two names mean. But there is much more to it than these names. We will discuss these two types of CNC production machining and their benefits in this section.
Low-Volume CNC Machining
Small-batch CNC machining services allow for fast, complete machining of small batches of parts. Most of the time, a small lot of CNC machining is done in quantities of 50 to 1,000 parts.
Some people now prefer small lot CNC machining because it usually offers the following advantages:
- It fills the gap between prototypes and initial projected production runs
- It reduces costs
- More access to a market that is just beginning to form
- It is well suited to machining products with short life cycles
- Product designs are easy to change
High-Volume CNC Machining
CNC machining makes it possible to produce large quantities of material (more than 1,000 parts) quickly while maintaining quality. Machining products in quantities greater than 1,000 is often referred to as high-volume CNC machining. Many fields prefer this process because more parts can be made at a lower cost.
People like high-volume CNC machining because it is less expensive to manufacture products and reduces the need for labor.
Benefits of Production Machining
Better production and less waste. With CNC production machining, more work is done by machines, and less labor is required, resulting in higher productivity. For example, automated processes and all-around work make everything run smoother. In addition, there is less product waste due to the improved software used.
Reduced labor. Whether it’s high-volume or low-volume CNC machining, there’s not a lot of labor to do. This means less money is spent on labor. But that doesn’t mean all the work goes away. Skilled workers are still needed to oversee every step of the production process.
Provides profitability. CNC machining is a method of production that doesn’t require much supervision. Therefore, both systems use the same attributes. They both take advantage of CNC machining to make more money. CNC machining parts are very affordable because of the reduced labor needs and costs. High-volume CNC machining, on the other hand, goes up more because it can make more.
Things You Must Know about Outsourcing Production CNC Machining
There are some things you should know before hiring a CNC machining service provider like CNC machining to work for you. The following three points will help you prepare for the tasks that need to be done in CNC manufacturing.
Standard Manufacturing Processes
It is not difficult to understand the basic production methods used in CNC machining. To make it easier for you to understand, we have broken down the CNC production machining process into four steps, as shown below.
Designing the CAD Model
Designing the CAD file is the first step. Computer Aided Design (CAD) files are usually saved in 2D or 3D format and can be opened with CAD software. With CAD software, you can show every part of the finished product in the most accurate technical detail. Remember, your project is an important part of the design solution. This is discussed in more detail in the section on Materials Required for CNC Machining.
Converting CAD Files to CNC Programs
Once the CAD file has been designed, enter it into the CNC software. Functions in the software look at the CAD file to obtain the programming code needed to run the machining process.
CNC machining programs typically use two types of code. One is G-code (geometry code), which is used for geometric shapes. This means that you can control the machine and change how it moves, when it moves, the path it takes, etc. The other is the M code, and this code is responsible for the CNC machine.
Setting Up the CNC Machine
Getting the CNC machine ready for machining is part of the setup. The setup will be different if you are using high-volume or low-volume machining. Included in this setup are all the tools used in the machining process, such as lathes, mills, grinders, etc. In addition, any good company that deals with CNC industrial machining needs to have an experienced engineer in charge of the process.
Carrying Out the Operation
Once you are sure that everything is in order and on schedule, machining can begin. When the program runs, it tells the CNC machine what to do and how to do it to get the right results.
Improving Design and Materials
In most cases, getting the best design means figuring out how to make the design work best with the available materials. Here are some tips on how to make the best use of material properties to make parts.
Simplify the Design
Optimizing a part’s CAD file during the planning stage can avoid unnecessary machining steps. Optimization can also reduce the time required to run the process and solve other problems. Extra parts require more work, so it’s best to remove them.
Choosing the Right Wall Thickness
Products made with CNC tools can put pressure on you. Therefore, it is important to choose the right wall width for the part. If the wall thickness is too thin, it will be too weak and prone to breakage. It is also important that the wall thickness is not too thick, as this can cause the tool to overhang, bend, or break.
Skip Small, Complicated Text and Features
If your project requires you to make markers and text, it’s best to skip the small ones. This is because the cost has increased and the machines that do this work are more complex. Instead, make the words or markers larger.
Use Standard Hole Sizes
When you need to drill holes, it is easier to use regular hole sizes anyway. This saves time and ensures that everything is done perfectly.
Quantities and Shipping Times
Quantity and lead time are also very important in CNC manufacturing. Today, most CNC machining companies can do both small and large CNC machining jobs. Waiting times, on the other hand, depend on the complexity of the software, the up-to-date nature of the machine, and the ability of the software to run.
If one wants to get the best quantity and quality in an acceptable lead time. It is necessary to understand how the machining process works and who can provide it.
CNC Machining for Rapid Direct Production
Are you tired of your ideas taking a long time to be validated? Or are you dissatisfied with the time it takes to produce your product and want the best service? You can be sure that with Yonglihao Machinery you will receive the best in production and customer service.
From a production standpoint, we offer high-volume and low-volume CNC production machining services that can better meet your business needs. It gets even better with our quick quotes and DfM analysis. Put more simply, this means that once you upload your files, the only obstacle to having your ideas validated is your network.
Our customer service can be trusted. Our (ISO 9001:2015) certification clearly demonstrates this. We have a team of experienced engineers from whom you can get answers to your questions and ideas. You can enjoy all these services at a low price.
To Summarize
There is a lot that you should know about CNC industrial machining before hiring the services. That is why this article discusses CNC production machining. It describes the steps and things you should know before outsourcing. Hopefully, you will learn something new that will help you with your CNC machining
Frequently Asked Questions
CNC machining is a subtractive manufacturing process. The computer uses programming codes to tell the tool how to cut the workpiece.
The CNC machining process is done by a machine. However, a CNC operator is needed to make sure the tool works correctly at the right time.