A QUICK GUIDE TO CNC CUTTING

CNC CUTTING HAS EVOLVED REMARKABLY

When CNC cutting machines first arrived in the middle of last century, the process was quite basic. The machines were two-dimensional and could only make cuts horizontally or vertically. Now, CNC cutting machines can handle almost anything you throw at that them, no matter the shape, design, edge or opening. The addition of the third dimension was a game changer and operators now have an unbelievable amount of choices.

CNC MACHINES COME IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES

The range of technologies available in CNC engineering today are vast. Below are the major types of CNC machines:

Lathe – Turns materials while working, unlike other types of CNC. Simple to operate and requires little floor space.

Mill – Very precise tolerances for all types of material removal. Compatible with 3,4,5 and 6 axis technology.

Drill – A simpler design in CNC production that accurately places holes and openings. Easy to operate.

Grinder – Removing material using specialised surfactants and lubricants to achieve desired result.

Router – Cutting a channel into material or creating specific contours on corners of workpieces.

Laser – Extremely accurate cutting of mild materials like wood and nylon using light transmitters.

Plasma – Able to cut through steel and aluminium with speed and accuracy

3,4,5 and 6 axis – Work from every conceivable angle with all types of tools.

UNIVERSAL CNC

Today, CNC machines are used across the board in manufacturing and carry with them a massive scope. Within each machine type is a whole universe of subcategories and within those are unique technologies seen nowhere else. Add to this AI technology and CNC machines are doing more cutting than ever. The amount of applications, tools and machines is truly staggering and there appears to be no end to this technology’s capabilities.