What is a CNC Machine?

CNC machine:

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CNC is stand for Computerised Numerical Control machine. In that case, the machine operates thru the controller.

The definition of a CNC machine is, the machine actually functioned by a program which controls the movement of the tools on the block to be machined. It means, the axis of rotation of the milling cutter during milling and the axis of rotation of the part during turning. In CNC lathe machine, there are two axes, X axis and Z axis and in VMC (vertical machine center) there are three (X, Z, Y-axis) and more than three axis which is fully automated and controlled by computer.

Before CNC Machine:

Before the CNC machine, in manufacturing industries, conventional machines are used for job work. The conventional machines like lathe, milling, and drilling machines are a key part of the industries. But in conventional machines, lots of issues have occurred. Issues like maintenance problems, conventional machines need skilled operators, cycle time and manual effort was high. So its effect on productivity, efficiency, and safety.

When conventional machines are used, lots of manpower is required, lots of time is waste during developing new products and high precision work.

Benefits of CNC:

After CNC invention, human interaction or manual efforts significantly decreases. As a result, the number of errors is lower. Because of low error, the efficiency of production is increased. High precision work is possible without a skilled operator and lower cycle time increases production volume.

Elements of CNC machines:

1. The Controller:

The controller has defined a very important role in the CNC machine. Let’s go for an understanding of the working method of the controller. If we want to create a job profile, we must give some input in the form of coded instructions. Coded instruction is a bunch of codes like G codes, M codes, RPM values, Feed rate, etc. When we give input to the controller, the PLC unit of the controller has converted this coded instruction into the digital signal and send it to the servo unit of controller. In this servo unit there is two-part in it, first is servo motor and second is Encoder. Servo motor tracks the signals and fixes the tool position thru linear motion guideways. This is called the accurate positioning of the tool. After accurate positioning, the encoder took the feedback of the servo motor and send it to the controller. Then the controller shows the result on its display unit.

2. Hydraulic / Pneumatic System:

In a CNC lathe machine, lots of parts are mechanical parts, so when they meshing with each other, there is friction is occurred. To control this friction we must provide lubrication. The lubrication is come from hydraulic system of the machine, that’s why the CNC lathe machine mainly work on hydraulic system. In VMC, during change or holding of the tool holder, the air pressure is required. The ATC (automatic tool changer) worked on pneumatic system.

3. Chuck / Table:

In the VMC machine, for workpiece holding Table is used. In this machine, the tool is rotating and the workpiece is stationary. In the three-axis machine, the movement of the table is X-axis and Y-axis.

In CNC lathe machine for holding workpiece chuck is used. The axis of chuck (spindle) is Z-axis and the axis is perpendicular to the z-axis is X-axis. The chuck is rotating in a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction. In the CNC lathe machine, the workpiece is rotating and the tool is stationary.

4. Turret / Magazine:

In CNC lathe, the turret is used for mounting a tool holder. The capacity of the turret for mounting tools is a maximum of 15 tool holders. The turret of the machine is bidirectionally mounted on a block of the L M guideways. The magazine is the part of ATC of the VMC machine. The capacity of the magazine 20 and above tool holders.