With the ability to produce a range of high-quality complex components quickly and efficiently, CNC machines are essential to modern-day metal fabrication. But how much do you really know about CNC machinery? In our latest article, we answer key questions such as ‘what is a CNC machine?’ and ‘what is a CNC machine used for?’. We also take a look at the main types of CNC machines used in engineering, as well as the benefits they can offer.
Are you looking for CNC machining services in Wiltshire? Get in touch with our team today to request a free quote or discuss how we can help meet your CNC machining needs.
What’s on this page
- What is a CNC machine?
- What is a CNC machine used for?
- Types of CNC machines
- What’s the difference between 3, 4 and 5-axis CNC machines?
- The advantages of CNC machines
- CNC machining services in Wiltshire
What is a CNC machine?
A staple of modern-day manufacturing, CNC (computer numerical control) machines are motorised machine tools that are controlled by a computer. Akin to a robot, the movement of the tools is dictated by a computer-generated program such as G-code and M-code.
Unlike traditional machine tools, which were controlled manually, CNC machines don’t require the constant attention of an operator. Upon receiving the code, the machine automatically performs the specified instructions. As you can imagine, this speeds up the process significantly. And with CNC machines able to run for 24 hours a day, they can also boost productivity and efficiency (read more about the advantages of CNC machines below).
Most metal fabrication companies use several different CNC machine tools to shape, cut and create a wide range of metal parts and components. These might include Swiss-style turning centres, high-speed lathes and CNC mills. Many firms also use other types of CNC equipment such as punch presses, press brakes, laser cutters and waterjet cutters.
What is a CNC machine used for?
Used across various types of manufacturing processes, CNC machines can carry out a range of complex three-dimensional cutting tasks. They’re typically used to perform the following operations:
- Turning – The workpiece is rotated against a cutting tool inside a lathe or turning centre, thereby removing portions of the metal to create the component.
- Milling – A milling machine also removes material from a workpiece, although it’s the cutting tool that rotates as opposed to the workpiece.
- Drilling – CNC drilling machines are used to automate the drilling process and create accurate holes in the workpiece
- Grinding – Often used during the finishing process, CNC grinding machines feature a rotating grinding wheel that removes imperfections and creates a high-quality surface finish
- Routing – Like CNC milling machines, CNC routers also use a rotating cutting head. However, they tend to be better suited to cutting softer materials such as wood.
CNC machines are used to create complex machined parts and components for a range of industries. They’re renowned for producing shafts, gears and valves for use in the automotive industry. The oil and gas sector also relies on the precision of CNC machinery. CNC milling machines, for instance, are used to fabricate pistons and cylinders for pipelines and refineries.
CNC machines are used to manufacture a variety of parts for the automotive industry
Types of CNC machines
There are various types of CNC machines, some of which combine different operations and tools. Our Wiltshire-based factory is equipped with a range of CNC machines that are capable of producing high-quality results, time after time.
CNC lathe or turning centre
A CNC lathe or turning centre is typically used to manufacture round or cylindrical components with external and internal features such as tapers, slots and threads. The lathe tool holds the workpiece in place as it’s rotated along a dual-axis of movement at high speed. A single-point cutting or boring tool then removes material around the circumference until it achieves the required diameter.
There are different types of CNC turning lathes and turning centres available. Most operate on three to five axes, while those with live tooling capabilities can also mill components without removing them from the machine.
Swiss-style turning
Swiss-style turning is a type of lathe tool operation commonly used to produce small, high-precision parts. Its design allows the workpiece to spin and slide axially through a guide bushing, helping to minimise vibration and increasing precision with very small components.
Our specialist third-party CNC turning subcontractors utilise this Swiss-style technology to provide our customers with the very best results. Find out more about our CNC turning service.
CNC lathes or turning centres are used to machine a variety of cylindrical components
CNC milling machine
A CNC milling machine features a rotating multipoint cutting tool that moves along multiple axes to create slots, holes and details in the workpiece. With each pass of the cutting blade, material is progressively chipped away to create the desired part.
There are a variety of different CNC milling machines available. Many operate on three to five axes and are capable of achieving high levels of precision and detail. Modern CNC machine centres even allow for both horizontal and vertical machining and come with a host of advanced features to ensure a smooth operation.
Milling machines can be used to create a variety of features including slots, chamfers, threads and pockets. Some of the most common CNC milling operations include:
- Face milling – A process in which the milling cutter operates perpendicularly to the workpiece. It’s typically used to create flat surfaces and contours on the final part.
- Plain milling – During plain milling, the axis of the cutting tool is parallel to the surface of the material being machined. Plain milling is sometimes referred to as surface or slab milling.
- Angular milling – A process in which the cutting tool’s axis of rotation is at an angle to the workpiece. Angular milling is often used to create angular features such as grooves, chamfers and serrations.
- Form milling – Form milling is used to create irregular and more complex surface contours, for example, concave and convex curves.
Find out more about what CNC milling is or explore our range of CNC milling services here.
Whether it’s turning, milling, drilling or something else entirely, we can perform a range of CNC machining operations to customers throughout Wiltshire. Simply give us a call or drop us an email to discuss how we can help turn your project into a reality.
What’s the difference between 3, 4 and 5-axis CNC machines?
CNC machines operate on at least three axes, although some machines have up to five axes. So what’s the difference between a 3, 4 and 5-axis CNC machine and does one type give better results than another?
The number of axes on a CNC machine dictates the type of work it can perform, the areas of the workpiece it can manipulate and the level of detail to which it can cut. A standard 3-axis CNC machine operates along an XYZ plane, where:
- X = vertical (left to right)
- Y = horizontal (front to back)
- Z = depth (up and down).
These types of machines are suitable for milling slots, drilling holes, cutting sharp edges and creating parts that don’t require a lot of detail or depth.
A 4-axis machine contains an extra axis, known as the A axis, which rotates around the X axis. This allows the workpiece to be flipped over automatically, enabling the machine to remove material from both sides of the workpiece. Versatile and multifunctional, 4-axis CNC machines are suitable for both intermittent and continuous cutting, as well as engraving curved surfaces.
A 5-axis CNC machine also contains a B axis, which rotates around the Y axis. This means a workpiece can be worked on all five sides during one operation. As a result, 5-axis machining is used to create complex and highly intricate components for industries such as aerospace, which demand exceptional precision.
The advantages of CNC machines
CNC machines have many advantages over their manual counterparts, particularly when it comes to handling large volumes. Some of the benefits of CNC machining include:
- Speed and efficiency – CNC machines can perform the same task much faster than a human. They can also be programmed to run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, thereby increasing output and productivity.
- Consistent quality – Every component produced by a CNC machine will match the prototype’s specifications exactly, guaranteeing consistent quality – even on large production runs.
- Lower labour costs – As multiple CNC machines can be managed by one skilled engineer, personnel costs will be lower.
- Reduced material waste – Automation minimises the risk of mistakes occurring, meaning fewer parts will need to be scrapped.
- Cost-effective – Although a CNC machine is more expensive to buy than the manual equivalent, its speed, efficiency and accuracy more than make up for the higher initial cost in the long run.
You can read more about the benefits of CNC machining here.
CNC machining services in Wiltshire
Based in Trowbridge, we offer a fast and reliable CNC machining service to customers throughout Wiltshire and the surrounding areas. Based further afield? Our national delivery service means we can complete your project, wherever you are in the UK.
Our factory is equipped with a range of modern CNC milling machines and we regularly mill parts in a variety of materials including aluminium, stainless steel and copper.
We also use a specialist third-party to fulfil our CNC turning requirements. Their CNC turning capabilities include a 4-axis machine and live tooling that can machine cylindrical components up to 250mm. They also utilise Swiss-style sliding head lathe technology to achieve maximum precision and accuracy.
If you’re looking for high-quality and competitively-priced CNC machining services, get in touch to discuss your requirements. And don’t forget to visit our technical news section for more handy metal fabrication guides.