How Does a CNC Machine Work?

What Is a CNC Machine?

CNC stands for computer numerical control; it is a process that allows for tool automation. While people may believe that CNC machinery is a small, bespoke set of automated machines, in reality, the CNC designation stretches across many different kinds of computer numerically controlled machine tools. CNC machines hit every stage of the manufacturing process and include such diverse industrial equipment as press brakes, milling machines, routers, grinders and plasma cutters. Many shops these days carry a CNC lathe machine among many others.

In CNC machining, the computer numerical controls are responsible for moving the parts of the machine to complete the prescribed process. While some manual inputs can be made by an operator depending on the tooling involved, the computer will operate the machinery according to its program. Utilizing computer numerically controlled machine tools provides numerous manufacturing advantages:

• Speed
• Replication
• Precision
• Volume
• Safety

How Do CNC Machines Work?

Modern CNC machining is fully automated. All the tools required to run your CNC machine are rooted in design and software applications that provide instructions to the computer numerical control system. CNC machining requires several tools for the production process and machinists can develop digital tool libraries for physical machines. The CNC machine switches tooling automatically according to the instructions.

When it comes to CNC cutting machines, the modeling and design software directs the laser where to cut, regulating the amount of fuel to use to return the desired result. With CAD-CAM applications and nesting software, the programs are scalable depending on the size of the blank sheet of metal being worked on. CNC machining and laser cutting is a vital piece of modern manufacturing.

What Applications Use Computer Numerical Control Machining?

The CNC machine process has expanded so much in the past forty years that there are very few industries who do not utilize it and all its advantages. CNC machinery is responsible for producing everything from washers and razor blades to parts for complex aerospace applications such as flight decks, airframes and component housings for electronics.

A CNC cutting machine, for example, can be used for cutting a variety of different materials ranging from wood to steel. Our custom CNC cutting machines are used in numerous industries and applications including:

• Steel Fabrication
• Construction
• Ship Building
• Mining
• Transportation
• Automotive
• Steel Processing
• Agriculture

While this list is by no means exhaustive, it does represent the massive diversity of applications that computer numerical control machining has integrated with. CNC machinery is not only a necessary part of many manufacturing processes, it plays a vital role in crafting the tools, equipment and machines we use to make America go.

The CNC Machining Process

While each type of CNC machinery has slightly different process requirements that will depend on your material selection and application, there are a few basic steps utilized by each computer numerically controlled machine tool. Let's take a look at what they are:

1. Design your model using CAD

CAD, or computer-aided design, uses dedicated computer software and processing power to create, modify and optimize your part design. Designers and engineers will use the software to create a blueprint of the part you wish to create from your chosen material.

2. Convert the CAD file to a CNC program

Cutting Systems provides a few different CAD/CAM software programs to accomplish this goal. The process here is to convert the base CAD blueprint into a program that the computer numerical controller can use to create the desired output. Other programs, such as nesting software, are utilized to minimize waste in the selected materials.

3. Prepare the CNC machinery for operation

Preparing your CNC cutting machine for its forthcoming task is a multi-step process that includes cleaning and maintenance, loading the program into the computer numerical controller, checking all CNC machine accessories for proper functionality and tolerances, inspecting all hoses and fittings, attaching the proper tooling, such as spindles and cutting torches, and making sure that you have a proper amount of workspace for functionality.

4. Run your CNC program

Your CNC machining program serves as the directions for your machinery, telling it where to move, cut and so forth. It will cut your materials according to your design and program, completing a series of complicated tooling objectives efficiently and accurately.