What are the Applications of CNC Machining?

CNC machines have revolutionized the manufacturing industry. Their high speed, dexterity in complex cutting operations, high productivity and accuracy and precision make them the first choice of many industries. So, what are the applications of CNC machining? In what industries are CNC machines used? What cutting operations can they perform? We are aiming to give good answers to them in our writing.

A CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) machine enables you to operate different cutting operations using a pre-programmed computer, with high speed and precision. It can perform cutting operations automatically and digitally and saves you from  manual labor and hassle, allowing for a minimum setup number. Intricate geometries can be easily created and repeated by a combination of motions of cutting tools controlled by the CNC machine.  These features make CNC machines the most important manufacturing industry revolution today. That is why they are preferred by many industries and used in different applications.  Here, we will explain operations and applications carried out by CNC machines and the industries in which they are used.

What is CNC Machining?

CNC machining is a revolutionary way of creating and shaping intricate parts using cutting tools in the manufacturing industry. In CNC machining, computers are used to control the machine and create workpieces to meet the specific needs of the manufacturing industry. Today, CNC machines offer numerous cutting operations for a wide range of purposes and applications. Different types of CNC machines are widely used in industries, such as aerospace, automotive, medicine, defense and so on to produce specific parts needed by these industries.

Why Use CNC Machines?

· They create and shape parts with utmost accuracy, consistency and repeatability.

· They can produce intricate geometries and complex workpieces.

· You can operate these machines with minimal human intervention and minimal human error.

· They allow us to produce large quantities of parts by perfectly repeating the same setup and configuration.

· They save time and costs.

· They save us from manual labor and hassle.

Different Cutting Operations Performed by CNC Machines

Drilling

Drilling is creating a hole in the part using a drill bit. CNC machines perfectly perform this operation by opening exact holes in the desired diameters.

Milling

In a milling operation, we give the piece different shapes, approaching it from various angles. CNC machines can successfully create very complex shapes with extreme accuracy.

Turning

A turning operation is performed using a rotary workpiece and a stationary cutting tool with the help of a turning tool. CNC machines can produce perfect parts with a combination of different tools performing the turning operation in its tool magazine.

Grinding

Grinding is a surface finishing operation with the aim of removing a minimal amount of material. With the help of CNC machines, an adjustable amount of material is removed and perfectly smooth surfaces are obtained.

Routing

In the routing operation, the cutting tool pierces the part and divides it into two subparts by moving across it. This process can be successfully performed by CNC machines.

Broaching

In the broaching operation, a cutting tool with a special tooth called a broach is used. CNC machines can perform both linear and rotary broaching operations.

Finishing

CNC machines can perfectly execute different finishing operations such as filing, brushing or polishing.

Applications of CNC Machining

In this section, we will summarize different applications carried out by CNC machines.

Part Finishing

When we have mechanical machines, we have to manually perform finishing operations on the part using tools like files or sandpapers.  However, it is hard to obtain perfectly smooth surfaces using a manual method. When we use CNC machines, we can perform finishing operations with perfectly smooth surfaces, high efficiency and high precision.

Mold Manufacturing

Mechanical machines cannot mass-produce molds. They also lack precision and repeatability in mold production. CNC machines can perfectly achieve this using computer technology.

Part Manufacturing

Using software like CAD/CAM, you can design and produce complex 3 D pieceworks using your CNC machine. In this way, the cutting operation is achieved with high accuracy and precision, parts are produced with speed and excellence, and you have great savings from manufacturing costs

Carving and Decoration

You can create great carvings and decorations using your CNC machine. The computer technology of CNC machines allows you to achieve the exact shape you desire. Thus, you can have complex and beautiful carvings and decorations.

Automated Production Process

CNC machines can be also used in automated production. You can install your CNC machine in computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) or computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) production lines to perform cutting operations needed during production. In this way, mechanical production completely becomes automatic.  Together with automated production lines, CNC machines enhance accuracy, quality, production efficiency, reliability, consistency and repeatability to a great extent.  

Different Industries Using CNC Machining Applications

CNC machines are used in a wide range of applications in different industries.

Electronics Industry

CNC machines have become an indispensable part of the electronics industry. A variety of electronic devices and components are produced by CNC machines. CNC machines perform different cutting operations on enclosures, semiconductors, circuit boards, prototypes, heat sinks or connectors. Small-scale and very complex jobs can be easily handled by CNC machines. For example, tiny electronic components in computers or smartphones are the products of CNC machines.  

Automotive Industry

CNC machines produce parts that need exact specifications and tight tolerances. They also produce custom components for a specific vehicle model in the automotive industry. Transmission housings, engine blocks, suspension blocks, gearboxes, valves and gas gauges are produced by CNC machines.  

Medical Industry

The production of precise components is highly important for patient safety in the medical industry. The medicine industry utilizes CNC machines to achieve this precision, tight tolerances and intricate designs. Implants, surgical instruments, prosthetics, bone plate and screws, blades and forceps are produced by CNC machines.

Aerospace Industry

The aerospace industry needs strong, light and durable aircraft parts against extreme conditions. These can be only achieved using CNC machines. Manifolds, bushings, landing gear, airfoils and electrical connectors are produced by CNC machines.

Energy Industry

CNC machines produce different components for power plants. All these components have high precision, durability, accuracy and resistance to extreme conditions. Hydro generators, solar panel frames, turbine blades, rods and pistons are produced by CNC machines.

Oil and Gas Industry

CNC machines are used in different ways to produce parts in the oil and gas industry. It can be used for drilling pipelines, valves or pumps. They are also used to repair or refurbish equipment.

Military and Defense Industry

CNC machines are used in the military and defense industry to produce parts for weapon systems, aerospace systems, armor or communication. Main rotor hubs, flanges, missile components, helicopter components and ammunition hoisting components are produced by CNC machines.

Optical Communication Industry

CNC machines produce precise and intricate parts for the optical communication industry so the efficient transmission of data can be achieved. Optic connectors, couplers, ferrules and optical filters are produced by CNC machines.  

Marine Industry

CNC machines meet the full automation needs of the marine industry. They can produce the different components of boats with high speed and help them fulfill their deadlines. Deck structures, ribs, hull structures, stringers and trimmings and joints are produced by CNC machines.

Niche Manufacturing Industries  

CNC machines produce parts for many niche manufacturing industries from jewelry, e.g.. rings, casting models and engravings, to furniture, e.g. chair legs, metal frames and moldings, and from  musical instruments, e.g. necks, fret slots and fretboards, to shoes.

Parts Produced by CNC Machines for Different Industries

Yangsen’s CNC Machining Applications

We offer different CNC machining applications for manufacturers in different industries, such as automotive, medicam, aerospace, electronics and niche manufacturing industries.

We have more than 20 years experience in the CNC machining industry and produce our machines in an over 57,000 square meters factory with over 500 employees, who are experts in their fields.

Our CNC machines offer a combination of superior performance, excellence and high speed. To achieve this, they undergo a strict quality control. And, they are designed to meet the needs of any application in any industry in terms of accuracy, precision, high speed, mass production, tight tolerances, durability, intricate designs and high performance.

At this point, let us have a quick look at the different applications of our CNC machines in different industries.

Auto Parts Applications

Our CNC machines produce auto parts flawlessly and at the quickest time possible. They also offer high repeatability.  Intricate auto parts are skillfully cut with a combination of different tools in our magazine, benefiting from the rapid tool change mechanism. Our CNC machines perform surface milling, drilling and tapping operations to produce desired designs and shapes.

Precision Mold Applications

High quality of molds is needed for precision mold applications. Molds must have high accuracy and unique designs. These can be only done by CNC machines. Additionally, CNC machines significantly decrease production time, which would be time-consuming if done by mechanical machines. Our hi-tech CNC machines have a fully automated system and produce the precision molds needed by the industry without human intervention .

Bathroom Products Applications

Our CNC machines are adept at producing high-gloss products for bathrooms. The production of these products requires complex milling, boring and drilling operations in a good combination. You can believe that our machines can handle them accurately and efficiently.

 Applications in the Semiconductor industry

Semiconductors are tiny objects and need a sophisticated production process. We developed 5-axis CNC machines, machine centers and drilling and milling machines to flawlessly execute this process. Our machines can perfectly perform cutting operations by maximizing threading speed and efficiency.

Application in the Medical Industry

Producing accurate and precise medical products are crucial for people’s health and safety. We have a great variety of CNC machines specialized in the medical industry. It ranges from 5-axis machines to milling and drilling machines. The machines perform drilling, tapping, milling, surface milling to produce error-free medical products.

Conclusion

Today, CNC machines are integral parts of many industries and are used in a great variety of applications. Now, almost all the manufacturing processes are automatically carried out by CNC machines with fewest human errors, superior performance, precision and high speed. Critical parts for different applications can be dexterously produced by them in fine detail. To have these advantages, you can invest or scale up your investment in them. For high-technology CNC machines, you can contact Yangsen now.