CNC PROCESSING

CNC processing is divided into plastic processing and metal processing

CNC is a highly mechatronic product. It is a high-efficiency automated machine tool that is used to process complex-shaped workpieces composed of mechanical equipment and CNC systems. The CNC machine tool is equipped with a tool magazine and has an automatic tool changing function. The workpiece can be processed in multiple processes after one clamping. The CNC system can control the machine tool to automatically change the tool, set the tool, select the spindle speed, feed amount, etc. according to different processes. It can continuously complete various processes such as drilling, boring, milling, reaming, tapping, etc., thus greatly reducing the workpiece clamping and Auxiliary setup time such as measurement and machine tool adjustment is suitable for processing parts with complex shapes and high accuracy and repeatability requirements.

• Turning-This is a form of CNC metal machining that involves using lathes and cutting tools to remove unwanted metal material from rotating parts. CNC turning is ideal for manufacturing cylindrical parts.
• Milling-Milling operations involve the use of multi-point rotating tools to remove material from a workpiece. Features of the milling process include cavities, slots, flat surfaces, complex contours and chamfers.
• Boring-Drilling creates a circular hole in the workpiece. A drill or tapping machine is designed for drilling holes, but a milling machine can also be used to perform this process. The boring process involves enlarging an existing cast or drilled hole; reaming is used to enlarge a previously drilled hole to a very precise diameter.
• Electric Spark Machining-Spark cutting (EDM) is the removal of material from the workpiece surface through the erosion process of electrical discharge. As an auxiliary processing technology, it is widely used in aluminum parts processing, because some complex parts can only be realized with the help of EDM.
• Wire cutting – It uses a moving metal wire as a tool electrode, passes a pulse current between the metal wire and the workpiece, and uses the corrosion effect of the pulse discharge to cut the workpiece.

Ⅰ. CNC plastic processing

What is CNC plastic?

The process of cutting and engraving plastic surfaces to create shapes and textures according to the customer's specifications. CNC machine tools will operate entirely based on computer control, so curves can be machined easily and can be used in 3D space.

1. Product materials

ABS, PMMA, POM, anti-static POM, PC, fireproof PC,?white PC+ABS, PA, PPO, PA66, PA+glass fiber, PP, PE, PPSU, PBT, PPS, PVC, transparent PVC, EPP, black PEEK, PTFE, PEI, polyester fiber, bakelite, nylon, silicone, etc.

Currently, the most widely used CNC plastics are ABS, PC (polycarbonate) and PMMA (acrylic). Among them, ABS is an opaque material, while PC and PMMA have both opaque and transparent materials. For example, the design of car lamps usually uses transparent PMMA as the material, which is polished to have a perfect transparent effect, and is also used to verify the needs of optical and aesthetic design.

2.Details introduction

CNC plastic processing is a method of precision processing of plastic materials using computer numerical control technology.

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) plastic processing usually involves the following key aspects:

(1) Material identification: Before CNC processing, it is necessary to accurately identify the type of plastic material, because different types of plastics (such as PVC, PE, ABS, etc.) have different processing characteristics. It is difficult to distinguish these materials visually, so the exact type of material needs to be confirmed through labeling or other means.

(2) Precision processing: CNC plastic processing can provide higher precision than injection molding or 3D printing. Machined plastic parts do not have the delamination lines of 3D printers and the parting lines of injection molding, which gives the final part a smoother and more delicate appearance.

(3) No mold required: For prototype production or small batch production, CNC processing does not require expensive molds. Designers only need a designed CAD file and can start producing parts directly.

(4) Design flexibility: CNC machining can start directly from plastic sheets or rods, which means that the engineering team can easily make modifications to the design during the production process without having to make any new tools, which is almost impossible when upgrading parts. Additional costs involved.

(5) Quick turnaround: Since CNC machine tools are controlled by computers and can operate 24/7, the entire production process can achieve optimal efficiency, quality and process control, thus shortening the production cycle.

(6) Wider material selection: CNC processing can handle a wider range of plastic materials, providing designers with more choices.

Ⅱ. CNC metal processing

First of all, CNC metal processing technology is characterized by high precision. Due to the adoption of a digital control system, the impact of manual factors on processing errors can be avoided, thereby achieving higher processing accuracy. In addition, materials can be metered and measured during processing to ensure that the quality of the product meets standards, and errors can be automatically adjusted and compensated to achieve higher accuracy and quality.

Secondly, in CNC metal processing, various complex-shaped parts can be designed according to needs, and automated processing can be achieved by writing tool paths and programs. CNC metal processing technology is highly adaptable and flexible and can be applied to the processing of parts of many different shapes and sizes. In addition, different cutting methods can be performed according to the properties of different materials to achieve higher processing efficiency and quality.

In addition, the automation features of CNC metal processing also make the production process safer and more stable. The operator only needs to write the necessary programs and input the corresponding data, and the CNC metal processing machine tool can automatically recognize the metal contour and automatically adjust the tool path, thereby achieving higher accuracy and quality. This automated working method greatly reduces the operator's operation and control of the equipment, greatly improving safety performance and production efficiency.

But at the same time, there are also some problems in CNC metal processing technology, such as the need to invest a lot of manpower, material and technical resources, and strict equipment maintenance and upkeep. In addition, operators need to master relevant technologies and operating methods, and understand the properties and characteristics of the processed materials in order to perform processing operations correctly.

1. Product materials:

Aluminum alloy, copper (purple-red gloss), stainless steel, titanium alloy, magnesium alloy, zinc alloy

2. Details:

CNC metal machining is a process of metal part manufacturing that utilizes computer numerical control technology to produce custom-designed parts by removing layers of material from a blank or workpiece. This processing method is suitable for various metal materials and has the following characteristics:

(1) High precision: CNC metal processing can achieve high precision and accuracy because the production process is completely automatically controlled by the program, ensuring that each part is accurately copied.

(2) ?High production efficiency: Since the processing process is automated, CNC machine tools can perform continuous processing, which improves production efficiency. At the same time, CNC machine tools are equipped with tool magazines with automatic tool changing functions, which can perform multi-process processing after the workpiece is clamped once.

(3) ?Low cost: CNC processing reduces hardware investment and manual workload, saving a lot of time and energy, thereby reducing production costs. This is especially obvious in mass production because it reduces manual operations on the production line.

(4) ?Material diversity: CNC machining technology is suitable for a variety of materials, including different types of metals, which provides a wide range of material options for manufacturing.

(5) ?Diverse processes: The processing processes involved in metal processing include CNC machining, milling, turning, drilling, EDM and wire cutting, etc. These processes can be selected according to specific design requirements and material properties.

Ⅲ. Application of CNC production products

(1) Industrial - CNC machining can be used to manufacture plastic parts such as pulleys and levers. It is even more valuable when making parts for custom craftsmanship. CNC plastic processing also offers economic benefits in large-scale production.

(2) Automotive - Rapid prototyping of automotive lighting in the automotive industry relies heavily on CNC milling of plastic parts. It can be used to make outer lens covers and light guide plates. CNC machined parts leave no marks and are more efficient.

(3) Medical - CNC machining is one of the most common methods used to manufacture plastic parts for the medical industry. Some of these items include electronic medical device components and surgical tools.

(4) ?Electronics - The electronics industry relies on CNC machining of plastic components such as semiconductors. Some electronic devices are contained within mechanized plastic housings designed using CNC.

(5) Consumer products - household appliances, household products and toys, usually manufactured using CNC processed plastic parts. In addition to prototyping parts, CNC machining is useful in manufacturing items such as jigs, housings, and fixtures.

Ⅳ.Difference Between CNC Plastic Machining and Metal Machining

First, plastic materials have lower hardness and low temperature resistance compared to metals. Therefore, it is necessary to use appropriate tools and parameters according to different kinds of plastics. Unlike metal, CNC plastics require slower processing speeds, more frequent lifting of the cutter and better cooling control to prevent the material from melting due to high temperatures while processing. Poor control not only makes it easy to process poor quality products, but can also seriously damage CNC tools.

In addition, the processing of plastic products is related to their material properties, and internal materials will generate stress. As a result, deformation and cracking can easily occur, ultimately leading to tolerances or scrap. In order to control this problem, engineers should have richer processing experience to enable them to control every detail in the processing.

Last but not least, although there are many plastics used for CNC machining, not all materials are suitable. For example, a material with a relatively low hardness is obviously too soft to be machined. Usually, experienced prototype manufacturers can make some appropriate suggestions and provide the best manufacturing solution based on the customer's actual needs.

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