OVERVIEW
CNC machining is the process by which material is removed from a work piece with Computer Numerical Control (CNC) equipment that cuts away unwanted material. Parts are machined from 3D CAD models, processed by the computer and manufactured using the CNC machine. Metal, plastic, wood and aluminum are all good candidates for CNC machining.
ADVANTAGES
Speed – CNC machines can quickly produce parts that would normally take multiple steps to manufacture
Efficiency – most CNC machines have an internal quality assurance detector that instantly notifies the operator and pauses production the minute an error occurs
Cost Savings – waste is decreased because the operator can optimize raw material usage
Flexibility – once a program has been verified and executed for one production, it can be easily recalled for the next run, as well as provide fast change-overs
Automation – many CNC machines can run unattended during the entire machining cycle, freeing the operator to do other tasks
TOLERANCES
In the inch mode, the smallest increment is usually 0.0001 inch. In the metric mode, the smallest increment is 0.001 millimeter
CNC machining is best used when there is a tight tolerance (+/- 0.005")
FINISHES
There are multiple secondary options for finishing, including polishing, powder coating, anodizing and many more.
